Note that the above assumes a phono-cable capacitance of 125pF for the Technics SL1200 Mk5. This value may be higher (likely) or lower for other turntables. Typically, a value in the range 150-200pF is assumed. Comparison VERDICT: I actually enjoyed the treble testing. For the price, it is a good buy. I rate it a 5.5 BASS

The Ortofon 2M Red, on the other hand, sounds noticeably more open and detailed, but it did never sound as pleasant as the AT95E.The dynamic compliance of the ATN91 stylus is ~11 cu (at 10Hz), which puts it at the low end of medium-compliance. Like the AT3600L, it is well matched to high-mass arms and the heavier end of medium-mass arms, although the AT91 performed well on the lighter SL1200 arm. Capacitive Load I have also compared the Ortofon 2M Red and the AT95E against the Ortofon 2M Blue and the VM540ML. You’ll find links to those articles towards the end. The difference in output level (3.5 mV for the AT95E and 5.5 mV for the Ortofon 2M Red) is big enough to make the Ortofon 2M Red play with significantly higher music volume. Noticeable difference there. Stepping a little further beyond the recommended range, the balance shifts towards neutral as the treble becomes more forward and crisper, with a general sweetening of the sound that may be preferable to some listeners. I measured each stylus in turn using the same body. I first wanted to identify the cause of the slightly higher output voltage of the conical and elliptical verses the other three profiles. AT quote a difference of 0.5MV. My tests showed The VM95C and VM95E output around 3.8MV, while the other still in the range were indeed on or slightly lower than the 3.5MV mark. It is my theory that the small variances in compliance and tip mass are responsible for this, and in reality such a minor difference isn’t going to be of any consequence as the difference is minor, and the output voltage is well within the margin for most if not all moving magnet preamplifiers.

Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 26th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.)With the 100pF capacitance setting on my phono pre-amp, the AT91 sounded remarkably focused in the treble. Increasing the setting to 250pF, however, a little roughness crept into the high frequencies. I therefore preferred the sound at the lower capacitance setting. Watching' the stylus in the groove, and even with the Shure's dynamic stabiliser not in use, the M97xE 'looked' more settled and stable, whereas the AT95E looked a little 'wobbly and shaky' (not very scientific, I know). Other features include Aluminum pipe cantilever and Dual V Mount magnet configuration which delivers excellent channel separation and low distortion resulting in outstanding tonal quality. However, the treble change all of that. I suspect that this was because, in comparison, the treble was amazing. However, in all fairness, some high-end models don’t do it so much better. There was a particular texture to it that I really liked. It was very clear and even though it got quite thin towards some points, I’d say that it is quite overlookable.

Around 500 hours for a conical stylus, 300 hours for an Elliptical stylus, 1000 hours for a Microlinear stylus, and 800 hours for a Shibata stylus. The Audio Technica AT95E isn’t a beauty. If you are after it, be ready to classify it as a classic built mainly to perform and not sit pretty. I was pleased, however, that holding it didn’t give an air of fragility. The VM-95 body is an example of Audio-Technica’s dual-magnet design and in the 95E is partnered with a bonded elliptical stylus that is mounted on an aluminium pipe-style cantilever. This borrows from the special EX version of the AT-95 that comes fitted as standard to the company’s LP5 turntable ( HFC 405). The body has been designed to reduce resonance and feels a whole lot more substantial than the original AT-95E. The stylus is a shaped piece of industrial diamond that is affixed to the end of the cantilever. The shape is the point of differentiation. At the simplest level, it is a cone shaped tip that moves through the groove of the record responding to the information that is contained therein. By increasing the length of the tip and decreasing the width, it is possible to make the stylus sit deeper in the groove of the record and extract more information - the conical tip becomes an elliptical one. The VM95 Series suspension design and compliances of VM95 Series have been designed for optimum audiophile reproduction.Finally, the bass was tested. Since I’d experienced two different qualities, I told myself to place my expectations in the middle. Hence, I expected no punch from the bass but I expected its presence at the very least. Logically, I expected the sound of the AT-VM95E to be an extension and enhancement to that of the AT95E, but I was wrong. By the time it was time to test the treble, I was a bit downtrodden and not looking forward to much. The midrange hadn’t given me what I was looking for and I was a bit disappointed