Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with 2.7 x 0.26mil Shibata Stylus

2024-12-15T19:00:00

I installed the AT VM95SH on my AT LPW40WN turntable about a year ago, upgrading from the VM95ML. While the VM95ML was a bit too bright for my taste, the VM95SH strikes the perfect balance. I primarily listen to jazz and classical records, and I'm consistently blown away by the depth, warmth, and detail this cartridge extracts from my collection-especially at its price point. It brings out subtle textures and nuances I hadn't noticed before, making each listening session feel like a private concert. Unless I hit the jackpot and splurge on a high-end alternative, this cartridge isn't going anywhere. Highly recommended!

Ray

Originally posted at

2024-11-28T19:00:00

I've been living with the 95SH for a few weeks now, and enjoy it very much. I have at least 20 different cartridges mounted up for easy comparisons. I find the 95SH to be very clean sounding, with solid (but not over-blown) bass. The highs are quite detailed, but not at all painful like some. Not thin, screechy, or too in-your-face. Just well balanced. I'm rather new to Audio Technica. Having been in broadcasting for 50 years, I have mostly Stanton and Shure in my collection. I commend AT for continuing to offer new production cartridges of very high quality, but affordable prices. There's little need to take chances with used units with these prices for new ones. At 2g, record wear is nearly non-existent. You can even back-cue these on styrene 45's without cue-burn due to the increased contact patch area, and that's quite amazing. I like the Shibata shape. I find it slightly more tolerant of set-up than some other ML or MR styli shapes than some others I own. I just purchased 2 more 95SH cartridges for my kids, who are also vinyl lovers. Yes, I like them that much. AT does offer some slightly better Shibata carts, but in this price-range, the 95SH is very hard to beat!

Dave O.

Originally posted at

2024-07-07T20:00:00

Really love this cartridge Smooth with rich overall balance Detail without brightness Competes with higher price Cartridges im using it on a rega planer 2 Turntable

Dvp

Originally posted at

2018-11-02T20:00:00

When compared to the AT95 w/ a Jico Shibata stylus, the first thing I notice is that the VM95Sh is faster on it's feat. It also has a tighter sound to it. I would attribute a lot of the improvement to the Nude Shibata stylus as well as the better fit of the stylus to the cartridge body when compared to the JICO after market stylus. Also, the cantilever on the AT stylus looks a tad thinner than the Jico version. Weather listening to Rock, Jazz, or classical, this cartridge is really an amazing performer at it's price point right out of the box! Just like the previous AT95, the NEW VM95 is going to dominate...and rightfully so! Over all, the addition of the threaded mounting block and the nude styli really make this NEW VM95 series cartridge a winner! Thanks AT for keeping phono technology fresh! Turntable: Rega P6 (2017 version) w/ RB-330 tonearm

joey

Originally posted at