Audio-Technica AT-VM95C

When my cartridge finally went at the end of last week I took that as my queue to pull the trigger. Between ordering the RT85 and receiving it I started using an AT-VM95C cartridge just to cover me for a few days, so this is an even bigger upgrade than it would have been at any other point for me. The record pictured on it is Cult Leader's *A Patient Man*, but as I started typing this I switched it out to the "definitive edition" of Nine Inch Nail's *The Fragile*.

I bought this cartridge to replace an old Ortofon cartridge from the 80s that came with my used turntable. The old Ortofon had a warm, gooey, bassy sound and it was absolutely fantastic! Unfortunately, the stylus was just about done, and replacements are no longer available. And I didn't have the mo...

I have a Stanton T.50 with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C cartridge (conical stylus). Clearly not the greatest turntable on the market, but the sound quality is good and it’s a workhorse. It’s been in use since the early 2000s. The short, straight tonearm is funky, but works fine with a conical stylus.

I put this cart on my third turntable setup which is in the family room. Couldn't justify buying a pricey cart when only older records will be played and my kid is likely to use it. Love the looks, sound, expandability, cost... everything about this is perfect. I've had many stylus/cartridge combos ...

And maybe a new cartridge in a bit. I recommend the AT-VM95**E** or C, as you can keep the cart and just swap out the stylus when you want to upgrade again.

My daughter is getting into vinyl, and asked if she could have one of my old turntables. So, of course, I was thrilled to set up an old Pioneer Servo Drive for her. Because she isn't yet an audiophile, I didn't need to get her a cartridge that was too high end. But I did want to get something relati...

"Speaking of force and vigor, the AT-VM95C (conical)—which is even cheaper than the $49 elliptical version, at $34—sounded cool, fast, and powerful but also detailed and invigorating. It played complex recordings, like the Stravinsky Conducts Histoire Du Soldat Suite, with power-packed, pitch-perfect bass, a flawlessly toned and detailed midrange, and enough upper-octave energy to make trumpets, drums, and woodwinds sound lifelike and exciting. Drum impact was spectacular. Music-pleasure–wise, Audio-Technica's VM95C was the most satisfying cartridge in this survey.

so the green AT-95E has long been the standard for most starter turntables, but i think that the blue V95C should give it a run for its money. honestly, this should be a standard entry cart for all sub $250 turntables. sure, the stylus is conical whereas the 95E is elliptical, but for most folks tha...

I wouldn't sleep on the entry level VM95C, a conical. Herb Reichert of Stereophile reviewed the entire family:

I bought this to install in a used turntable that had an entry level AT cartridge in it. The table is a back up while my other turntable is in the shop. I was very surprised at how good this cartridge sounded. The cart that came with the used table I bought was a AT Gemini CN-15 DJ. The stylus in th...