Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH vs Audio-Technica AT95E

Once I finally received the stylus, it worked really well. Relatively easy to install on my head shell and good sound quality.

Sadly, it sounds awful compared to the AT85EP. It's very quiet, sounds tinny, and just doesn't offer the dynamic range that the AT85EP does. I had friends listen to it to ensure that I wasn't crazy, and the results were unanimous. Do yourself a favor and try the AT85EP, and don't forget the AT-PMA1 1/2" mount adapter (not needed if you already have a P-Mount head shell)

Detail, soundstage, and clarity in the high range are strengths of this cartridge/stylus combo. Bass output is a bit of a weakness. That can be helped a bit if you have tone controls on your preamp or receiver. As far as comparison with popular moving magnet cartridges I own and have tried on several turntables: (in my opinion) Nagaoka MP110 < AT3600L (conical stylus) < AT95E < AT3600 with vivid line < AT-VM95SH (shibata stylus)

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The AT-VM95SH sounded clearer, more open, and livelier to me than the Rainier, but I'd really prefer to do the comparison again on my own system, as it's a much more transparent, revealing system, not to mention that I'm more familiar with it. In past years, I've also owned cartridges from Shure, Signet, Talisman, and a Grado Signature 8. Some of those were really good, but I prefer the VM95SH over all of them. In summary

Could be wrong here, but the cartridge (the thing at the end of the tonearm where the needle goes on) looks like the venerable Audio Technica AT95E-commonly included on turntables that cost upwards of $500. Great sounding cartridge, and it’s the cartridge and stylus that actually determine how good a turntable sounds.

There is absolutely zero exaggeration in the treble as with some AT cartridges, and the VM95SH is as quiet as any I've ever owned. The 95SH is a champ at placing instruments in a wide and deep soundstage. Detail is everywhere but never sounds exaggerated or unpleasant. This cartridge is as pleasingly neutral as I can imagine without sounding the least bit cold or clinical

At95e is bright compared to AM30s, and my ears tell me that the AM30s has a wider frequency response. Play the same record with both with my eyes blind, I'll tell you which cart is which. Which one I like? I like them both, but I'd rather listen to classics with the Signet. Rock tends to like the AT