Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge
Best cartridge for vinyl enthusiasts playing vintage 78 RPM records.
Rediscover the unique sound of 78 RPM mono records with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge. Designed for standard half-inch mount turntables, this stereo cartridge offers precise channel selection, ideal for archiving and reducing noise. Its robust, low-resonance polymer housing and aluminum cantilever ensure excellent audio fidelity. The innovative threaded inserts simplify mounting with just two screws, and the interchangeable stylus system provides great versatility for future upgrades. Elevate your vinyl playback with this expertly crafted cartridge.
$88.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
681
/ 1637
#681 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-93%
Below average
Stylus Configuration
3.0
/ mil conical stylus
Who it's for
- Collectors of vintage 78 RPM shellac records
- Audiophiles seeking easy future stylus upgrades
- Listeners wanting clear sound from noisy vintage pressings
Who should skip it
- Vinyl enthusiasts needing a versatile all-in-one cartridge
- Listeners prioritizing high-fidelity detail retrieval
- Casual users without specialized phono equipment
Performance breakdown
78 RPM Fidelity
Specialized conical stylus extracts rich detail from vintage mono pressings.
Installation Simplicity
Threaded inserts eliminate the frustration of fiddling with tiny mounting nuts.
Build Integrity
Low-resonance polymer housing effectively dampens unwanted vibrations during playback.
Stylus Versatility
Interchangeable design allows for quick upgrades across the entire VM95 series.
Archival Precision
Stereo channel selection provides essential control for digitizing aging record collections.
Cantilever Durability
Aluminum construction offers a reliable balance of rigidity and tracking stability.
Key Specs
Stylus Configuration
3.0 mil conical stylus
Cartridge Design
VM95 Series dual magnet
Cantilever Material
Aluminum
Housing Material
Durable, low-resonance polymer
Mounting Type
Standard 1/2 Inch
Weight
6.24 grams
Accessory Type
Cartridge
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
Features
- Optimized for 78 RPM mono records
- Stereo channel selection for archiving
- Interchangeable stylus system
- Easy two-screw mounting
- Low-resonance housing for better sound
- Durable polymer construction
- Aluminum cantilever
- Dual Moving Magnet design
What customers say
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP cartridge earns high praise specifically for its specialized performance with 78 RPM shellac records. Users consistently report that this cartridge revitalizes vintage recordings, significantly reducing surface noise while dramatically improving audio clarity and detail. Its design effectively tracks the wider grooves of 78s, uncovering previously hidden sonic nuances. Reviewers also find the installation process straightforward, reflecting a user-friendly approach. For collectors dedicated to enjoying their shellac library, this cartridge is viewed as an essential component that delivers outstanding audio fidelity and a truly transformative listening experience for its intended purpose.
Know before you buy
No, the AT-VM95SP is specifically engineered for 78 RPM mono records. It features a 3.0 mil conical stylus, which is the correct size for the wider grooves found on vintage 78s, rather than the narrower grooves of standard 33 1/3 or 45 RPM records.
This cartridge is compatible with any turntable that accepts a standard half-inch mount headshell. If your turntable has a removable headshell or a standard tonearm mount, it should be a straightforward installation.
The cartridge body features built-in threaded inserts, meaning you can mount it directly to your headshell using only two screws. You won't need to fumble with tiny nuts or washers, which significantly simplifies the alignment and mounting process.
Yes, the AT-VM95 series uses an interchangeable stylus system. You can easily swap the SP stylus for any other stylus in the VM95 range, such as an elliptical or microlinear tip, to play standard microgroove records without replacing the entire cartridge body.
Even though 78s are mono, using a stereo cartridge allows you to select either the left or right channel independently. This is particularly useful for archiving, as it lets you choose the cleaner channel to minimize surface noise or compensate for wear on one side of the groove.
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