Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Blue

Whether you're rehabbing an old turntable or trying to upgrade a newer entry-level one, Audio-Technica's AT-VM95C is a great starter cartridge. For the price of a big city lunch out, you get a twenty-first century cartridge for today and tomorrow that's far more flexible than you might expect.The C here is for "Conical Stylus," which makes it "entry level" among many new vinyl fans, but is an excellent everyday choice if a lot of your LPs are picked up well-loved from the record store's used bins. It's also a fine choice if you're buying new releases, and is almost certainly still an upgrade even if your turntable (like many) came with a bottom-of-the-barrel conical stylus/cartridge.If you eventually decide a conical stylus isn't your end goal, good news: the "AT-VM95" part of the equation is the cartridge body, and Audio-Technica's various more expensive options are simply the same cartridge paired with higher-end styli. Most manufacturers offer perhaps a single upgrade option per cartridge, but Audio-Technica's offering a full line here — including a stylus specifically for 78s. (If you do decide you like a "better" stylus for your fresh pressings, consider picking up an entire second AT-VM95C and another headshell for your back catalog — an entire cart is only a few dollars more than the replacement conical stylus.)Unique at this price point (and even among higher-priced cartridges, actually), Audio-Technica has opted for threaded inserts in their AT-VM95 cartridge, meaning you don't have to fiddle with teeny tiny nuts when installing. Just align the cartridge on the headshell, start the screws, and screw til tight. There's nothing more satisfying than throwing your old cartridge nuts into the garbage! While you can reuse your old screws, Audio-Technica includes new hardware, and you're best off using it: not only will you get a fresh set of washers, but A-T's shorter screws won't interfere with the full-coverage, slip-on stylus protector (another rarity at this price point). (See the attached photo — that's installed with the "standard" long screws of decades past, and just barely clears the stylus cover.)This cart sounds great, tracks well, and the sighting lines on both the cartridge and stylus make it easy to double-check that everything's lined up and installed correctly. The neat-looking blue stylus color ain't too shabby, either. Time will tell how well the stylus lives up to A-T's estimated 500 hour lifetime, but so far it's sounding fantastic and has breathed new life into my vintage JVC turntable.

I was working on restoring an old Yamaha record player from the late 70's/early 80's that needed a new belt, and a new stylus as the stylus on a Shure cartridge that was installed chipped off during a move. Considering I was buying more than a cartridge I decided to go with this one. It did not require any crazy adjustments, and fit perfectly on the tonearm. Once I dialed in the counter weight and anti skid and played a record, the sound was amazing. I do have some records that I think can benefit from having a higher quality one, and I may consider that down the road, but this one is perfect for the Yamaha from the 70's.I don't really believe people need to buy into what "audiophiles" consider as being the only way records should be played, but I do agree different stylus ride those grooves differently. What is most important is if you enjoy the sound coming from your records and player, that is all that matters.I bought Audio Technica because they have proven themselves as a reliable brand and durable products over the years. Their quality has not gone downhill like most other companies.

Nothing new about this: these cartridges are well known as a quality product, producing great sound for a reasonable price. I looked at a lot of reviews, YouTube videos, etc., before putting my money down and getting one of these cartridge/stylus units. I am not some sort of audiophile, but I had a great 1980 era receiver/amp (Harmon Kardin) in my back room and a Technics turntable. After I had the amp serviced, I wanted to hear what it could sound like. I pulled out the turntable and realized I needed to change the cartridge. I got the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C, followed the instructions for installing a cartridge correctly (proper placement, correct weight, checked anti-skipping) and tested it with some old LPs. No speakers, so I used a decent headset, and the sound that came out was wonderful. I was planning on selling the amp and turntable, but now I'm considering buying some speakers and keeping it! LOL

I bought this cartridge to replace an old Ortofon cartridge from the 80s that came with my used turntable. The old Ortofon had a warm, gooey, bassy sound and it was absolutely fantastic! Unfortunately, the stylus was just about done, and replacements are no longer available. And I didn't have the money for a nice new cartridge, so budget Audio Technica it had to be.I'm not a huge fan of the bright Audio Technica sound, but the VM95C is really honestly not bad. It lacks the warm, gooey sound that the old Ortofon had, but it is still very enjoyable to listen to. It seems to be very forgiving of old, dirty records, which I've read high-end cartridges are not. It's enjoyable to listen to, and I'm happy to rock it on my turntable for a year or two until I can justify spending a lot on a really nice cartridge.If you DO like the Audio Technica sound, it's trivial to order a higher-end stylus when you are ready for an upgrade. The VM series all use the same body and the only difference is the stylus, which Audio Technica sell separately.Overall, a great bargain. It might be good enough to fully satisfy you, and if it's not, it's definitely good enough to keep you happy until you can get the $$$ together for a high-end cartridge.

Quality for the money. Works well. Lightweight. Very pleased with this purchase. No regrets!

Easy installation and great sound.

Normal people who are into records cannot afford the turntables and stylus, there’s no need to if your speakers and listening space is set up right. This needle is a great start! Sounds great, easy install and I’m sure I’ve saved hours of play by cleaning the records I buy at used stores. I’d buy this again and again