Audio-Technica AT85EP vs Audio-Technica AT95E

First, I want to say this cartridge sounds really good, considering the low cost. I’m very happy, it was a perfect, easy swap for my late model Pioneer tt. I’ve been looking for a viable replacement, as it’s getting harder and harder to buy replacement styluses with any kind of quality control for my old cartridge. So, in terms of value, sound quality, and ease of installation, this model is a great solution

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)

For the cartridge, the best starting point these days is going to be the Audio-Technica AT85EP. That will sound quite good on its own (it's on equal footing with things like the A-T VM95E, Ortofon 2M Red, and Sumiko Rainier), and if and when you want to upgrade later on, the cartridge body is compatible with a wide variety of upgrade styli including line contact profiles like MicroLine and Shibata.

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.

I'd caution against the base model Audio Technica, even though it's probably fine, it does have a heavy tracking force and very limited in possible upgrades. I have two vintage setups, but I'll admit I'm saving up for a new model.

Apparently, this is an updated version of Audio Technica's consumer workhorse cartridge. The updated version of the AT-95 now requires slightly greater tracking force (2 grams of nominal tracking force as opposed to 1.75 grams). Compared to the older version that came with a Thorens TD-235 that I purchased 4 years ago, the current version sounds more dynamic

It delivered great separation on this Technics linear tracking turntable I saved from a terrible fate. It will go easy on good vinyl. Decent buy. AND when the stylus wears out, put another in without having to replace the whole cartridge

If you don't trust YouTube compression to adequately represent the sound, follow the link in my description to an uncompressed wav file that you can l...