Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH Replacement Shibata stylus
Best high-fidelity upgrade for discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking superior sonic detail.
Elevate your vinyl listening experience with the Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH Shibata Replacement Stylus. Engineered for discerning audiophiles, this genuine replacement stylus is designed for the AT-VM95SH cartridge body, offering unparalleled accuracy in tracing record grooves. Its nude Shibata stylus and aluminum pipe cantilever extract the finest details and harmonic richness from your music. Experience enhanced low frequencies and exceptional clarity, bringing new life to your favorite records. This stylus ensures superior sound quality and longevity for your turntable setup, providing a refined and immersive audio reproduction.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-84%
Below average
Playback frequency range
2025000
/ ~ , Hz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking maximum clarity and high-frequency detail from their vinyl
- Vinyl collectors prioritizing long-term record preservation and tracking stability
- Current VM95 owners looking for an easy, high-performance sound upgrade
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners preferring more affordable replacement stylus options
- Casual users intimidated by precise tonearm alignment and calibration
- Owners of older or worn record collections prone to surface noise
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Detail
The Shibata profile extracts microscopic nuances from complex record grooves effortlessly.
Tracking Precision
Maintains stable contact with the groove even during demanding musical passages.
Stylus Longevity
Engineered for extended play sessions with superior wear resistance over time.
Bass Response
Delivers tight, authoritative low-end presence with impressive harmonic richness.
Installation Ease
Simple snap-on design makes cartridge maintenance accessible for all skill levels.
Build Quality
Robust aluminum construction ensures consistent performance and long-term structural integrity.
Key Specs
Playback frequency range
20 ~ 25,000 Hz
Channel separation
23 dB (1kHz)
Output voltage
3.5 mV (1kHz, 5 cm/sec.)
Tracking force range
1.8-2.3g
Stylus shape
nude Shibata
Cantilever
Aluminum pipe
Stylus Dimensions
2.7 x 0.26 mil
Mounting type
Standard 1/2 Inch
Features
- Superior detail retrieval with Shibata stylus
- Longest lifespan in the AT-VM95 series
- Enhanced low-frequency reproduction
- Direct replacement for AT-VM95SH cartridge
- High-fidelity audio clarity and nuance
- Durable, high-quality construction
- Genuine Audio-Technica part
- Precise groove tracking
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH stylus as a transformative upgrade for the VM95 series. The core theme is superior sonic detail and clarity, with users noting an expansive soundstage and exceptional tracking. This stylus effectively reduces inner groove distortion, revealing subtle textures in vinyl collections previously unheard. Reviewers find the sound profile balanced, articulate, and highly resolving, breathing new life into familiar recordings. Installation is straightforward, making it an accessible enhancement. While priced higher than other options, the significant sonic improvement consistently justifies the investment, positioning it as excellent value for serious listeners seeking audiophile performance from their cartridge.
Know before you buy
Yes, the AT-VMN95SH is compatible with any cartridge body in the Audio-Technica VM95 series. You can easily upgrade your existing VM95 cartridge by simply swapping the stylus.
The Shibata shape features a larger contact area with the record groove, which allows it to extract more high-frequency detail and harmonic richness. It is particularly effective at tracking complex passages and reducing distortion on inner grooves.
The recommended tracking force range for this stylus is 1.8 to 2.3 grams. We suggest starting at the middle of this range and adjusting based on your specific tonearm setup and listening preferences.
The Shibata stylus offers the longest lifespan in the AT-VM95 series. Its durable construction and precise groove tracking help minimize wear on both your records and the stylus itself over time.
No special tools are required. The stylus assembly is designed to slide off the front of the cartridge body, allowing you to pull the old one off and click the new one into place by hand.
Yes, this is a moving magnet (MM) stylus and is fully compatible with any standard moving magnet phono stage. It provides a standard output voltage of 3.5 mV, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with your existing turntable setup.
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