Audio-Technica AT95E vs Sumiko Rainier

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)

It has a nice warm sound but also does a nice job highlighting highs right out of the box. The Sumiko Rainier can be easily upgraded using either the Olympia Stylus or the more expensive Moonstone Stylus. Both options come at more expensive price levels but present a good upgrade path.

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

My records are all mint, very clean. I've set the proper tracking force and I'm using a new Sumiko Rainier cartridge with less than 5 hours of play on it. It appears clean and staight, not damaged.

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

But you’ll get better vfm with a stylus upgrade. If you bought your Evo in the US then it came with the Sumiko Rainier installed, which can be upgraded with an Olympia ($120) or Moonstone (€220) stylus; in EUrp it came with the Ortofon 2M Red which can be upgraded with the 2M Blue (€140) stylus; and even the Bronze (€215) or Black (€350) stylus would fit although there is a difference between the Red/Blue cartridge body and the Bronze/Black.