What is Looria?Sign up

Phono Cartridge

Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH vs Denon DL-110

Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH

Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH

31 reviews

View Product Details

Upgrade Pick

in Phono Cartridge

Denon DL-110

40 reviews

View Product Details

Great value for money

Excellent clarity and detail

Easy to install and align

Well-suited for modern turntables

Produces a rich and precise sound

Great value for its price range

Adaptable to different genres and turntables

Brings out more detail in records

Highly recommended for its compatibility and sound quality

Not ideal for those sensitive to extended treble or brightness

Bass output could be improved

Some users experienced skipping, which may be resolved with proper table balancing and alignment

Not tracking well on some HiFi News test tracks

Some users have experienced a harsh edge in the sound

May require adjustments to preamp settings for optimal performance

Verdict

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH cartridge receives mostly positive reviews, with many users praising its clarity, detail, and value for money. Some users note that proper alignment is important for optimal performance, and some mention that the bass output could be improved. Overall, the AT-VM95SH is considered a top-performing cartridge at its price point.

Verdict

The Denon DL-110 is a highly recommended cartridge for its compatibility and sound quality. It is a great upgrade from stock cartridges and brings out more detail in records. It is adaptable to different genres and turntables, but may require adjustments to preamp settings. Some users have experienced issues with tracking and a harsh edge in the sound. Overall, it is a great value for its price range and a popular choice among audiophiles.

Reviews by Topic

Our analysis shows how reviewers feel about different topics. Please note these are not full reviews.

Sound Quality

Good sound, awkward delivery.

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

I've been wanting to upgrade to an MC cartridge for awhile and the opportunity recently presented itself via a NIB Denon DL-110 from Japan at an affordable price. My fears that my Musical Fidelity V90-LPS would have insufficient gain to drive it were immediately proven to be unfounded as I'm able to obtain a comfortable listening level at about 11 o'clock on the dial on my Cambridge Audio 640A amplifier. First impressions are very good, considering that the cart hasn't even begun to break in yet. It's already an improvement over my 2M Blue and Nagaoka MP-110 which were my top MM carts in my collection

Positive

reddit.com/r/turntables

Soundstage

Is there a Needle upgrade for AT LP60x? Messed up mine this morning.

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)

Positive

reddit.com/r/turntables

Just wonderful sounding

My Blue Point slurred the S's and the Audio Technica cartridge on my Technics SL-1700 also was very sibilant. The Denon reproduces the S's very sharply with no overt sibilance. Dropping the needle on Micheal Jackson's Billy Jean from "Thriller", another track that give cartridges issues, played very well. The sound stage width is very nice, too

Cartridge Type

A "No Brainer" Near This Price Point

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

Good but a bit harsh

I used this cartridge in the latest Rega RP3, NAD 350, HD650, very clear but with a harsh edge. I am now using a Grado Reference Platinum 2, which is as clear as the Denon but smoother. The Denon is very good but a bit aggressive. My preference is the Grado

Frequency Response

A surprising gem

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

Very disappointing.

The popping went away in Phono, so I figured no big deal, swapped to Phono and: Issue 2: So. Much. Treble. If I were to graph it: 2/10 on bass, 0/10 on mid, 11/10 on treble

QUICK QUESTION!

Got an opinion on a product you've used?
If so, we want to hear from you! Write an authentic longevity review about the product and share your experience with our community. You'll have the chance to win a $100 gift card.

You might also like

More Alternatives

Nagaoka MP-150

Grado Black3

Grado Prestige Gold3

Grado Prestige Gold3

Audio-Technica AT95E

Audio-Technica AT95E

Denon DL-110

Nagaoka MP-110

More Alternatives