Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH

Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH

The Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH is a high-quality replacement cartridge from the VM95 series, featuring an aluminum cantilever and a bare Shibata diamond stylus with a square shank. This stylus profile has been prized by discerning audiophiles for years due to its excellent detail and distinctive sound reproduction.

The Shibata stylus is known for its rich and natural reproduction of the midrange and high frequencies, combined with a powerful and full-bodied midrange. Thanks to its larger contact surface with the record groove, it accurately captures details while reducing distortion and maintaining a wide frequency range. This results in an open, dynamic, and musical listening experience.

Like all diamond styluses, the Shibata stylus is also subject to wear and tear. Its average lifespan is approximately 800 hours of playback. By comparison, a conical stylus lasts about 500 hours, an elliptical stylus about 300 hours, and a MicroLine stylus about 1,000 hours.

Thanks to the VM95 series’ replaceable design, there’s no need to replace the entire cartridge when it wears out. By simply replacing the stylus, the cartridge can be used for virtually an unlimited number of plays. In addition, the series offers the option to upgrade to other stylus types, depending on the desired sound characteristics.

All cartridges in the VM95 series use the same electromagnetic system, making all replacement needles within the series fully interchangeable. The compatible models are:

• AT-VMN95C
• AT-VMN95E
• AT-VMN95EN
• AT-VMN95ML
• AT-VMN95SH
• AT-VMN95SP

The Shibata cartridge is known for its distinctive sound signature, featuring a refined reproduction of the midrange and treble and a powerful presence in the midrange. As a result, the AT-VMN95SH delivers a rich, detailed, and exceptionally musical sound that shines in high-end vinyl systems.

With its bare Shibata diamond and square shank, the AT-VMN95SH is an excellent choice for listeners seeking a combination of high resolution, a natural sound balance, and long-lasting performance.