View Full Version : AT95ex vs AT95e
I need to replace the stylus in an AT95e cartridge and I have seen another option available called the AT95ex. Can someone let me know the difference between the AT95e and AT95ex.:cool:
Ok I have found the difference so I will reply to myself.
The AT95ex has a slightly smaller elliptical diamond profile to the AT95e and slightly better detail retrieval all else being equal.
The AT95ex comes in red plastic whereas the AT95e is green and there is a small price difference of about £5.
So I have actually got the At95ex strapped to the Gerrard SP25 Mk4 and indeed it does sound very good indeed and cheap as chips. From memory it definitely has a finer top end and I would say better tonal quality.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48447869492_19591f62b7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gPaZGG)P1010240 (https://flic.kr/p/2gPaZGG) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/162281319@N03/]Jurl], on Flickr
I’ve used both the AT95EX and AT95E, the EX is a definite step up in quality, it’s more refined and detailed and it handles inner grooves better, for not much more money the Goldring E3 is a good deal better.
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I have not heard of the Goldring E3 but you have got me curious so I will Investigate. The AT95ex came to me by accident in an Amazon error which worked to my advantage. I ordered a green AT95e and got a red AT95ex. I was never sure it was an AT95ex until recently but noted how much sweeter it sounded compared to the standard At95e. Some folk think the Denon 103 is the great bargain in audio but I would add the AT95ex to that list.
Anyone reading this post has any other sub £50 cartridge recommendations I would be pleased to hear as I am about to order another AT95ex and I may well go with something else.
Anyway thanks for the Goldring E3 recommendation Steve.
willbewill
04-08-2019, 06:49
Goldring E3 is made by Audio Technica and is also based on the V95 generator.
brian2957
04-08-2019, 07:27
Ah...I have an AT95ex sitting here waiting to be fitted to my GL75 . Had it for quite a while now because the turntable is in the loft .
walpurgis
04-08-2019, 07:39
Ah...I have an AT95ex sitting here waiting to be fitted to my GL75 . Had it for quite a while now because the turntable is in the loft .
You want to get that GL75 down from there Brian, they're a really nice deck. The AT cartridge should be a decent match.
brian2957
04-08-2019, 07:45
Thanks Geoff . Yes it is very good but I neef a t/t shelf I think .
Goldring E3 is made by Audio Technica and is also based on the V95 generator.
Yes I believe they are manufactured by AT in Japan although I don’t think they share the same internals with the 95, the script on the box says “designed in the UK built in Japan”
https://www.whathifi.com/goldring/e3/review
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The AT95e works well on the GL75 Lenco Brian as I have tried it.
Yes I believe they are manufactured by AT in Japan although I don’t think they share the same internals with the 95, the script on the box says “designed in the UK built in Japan”
https://www.whathifi.com/goldring/e3/review
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The reviews are all very positive however it is twice the price of the AT95E. The Goldring E3 is a huge cartridge but looks an Interesting alternative to something like the Ortofon 2M Red.
hifi_dave
04-08-2019, 09:21
Why consider an AT95 when you could have the new VM95E or VM95EN ?
As I understand it, the Goldring E3 and it's siblings are AT internals with an extra outer shell, which makes them more expensive than the equivalent AT.
The reviews are all very positive however it is twice the price of the AT95E. The Goldring E3 is a huge cartridge but looks an Interesting alternative to something like the Ortofon 2M Red.
If you hunt round the E3 can be got for less money, I bought mine from Juno for £67.99 delivered, although they now have it priced at £77.99. I had 2 different 2M Reds, factory fitted to 2 Project turntables I had and I didn’t like either and sold them on smartly, rather coarse sounding especially inner grooves. According to the AT website the 95EX has been discontinued but no doubt you’ll still be able to get it for quite a while.
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Opti-cal
04-08-2019, 11:22
I have the 95ex which came with my AT LP5 tt. The cart was designed specifically for this tt/arm I do believe so might work well with other low-medium mass J shape tonearms.
I have to say it's leagues ahead of the standard 95 which is itself great value for money. For the price point I can't recommend the 95ex highly enough. It's a cart for putting hours on because its cheap and most importantly sounds superb.
Chris.
I have the 95ex which came with my AT LP5 tt. The cart was designed specifically for this tt/arm I do believe so might work well with other low-medium mass J shape tonearms.
I have to say it's leagues ahead of the standard 95 which is itself great value for money. For the price point I can't recommend the 95ex highly enough. It's a cart for putting hours on because its cheap and most importantly sounds superb.
Chris.
I also have an ATLP5, although the AT95EX was designed to go with it, it surprised me that the arm tilted downwards from pivot to stylus with the stylus in the record groove, I corrected this by using a 3mm shim between the cartridge and headshell, the mod improved the treble clarity noticeably, I use the same shim with the Goldring E3 that’s currently installed on it.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190804/0331dc8523719e711898821d59837b2c.jpg
I notice that the AT95ex and Goldring E3 stylus have exactly the same specification and as the Goldring maybe built by AT they are probably both using the same stylus? They use a super elliptical stylus measuring 0.3 x 0.7 ml.
willbewill
04-08-2019, 19:27
I notice that the AT95ex and Goldring E3 stylus have exactly the same specification and as the Goldring maybe built by AT they are probably both using the same stylus? They use a super elliptical stylus measuring 0.3 x 0.7 ml.
Also the new VM95E uses the same stylus but with a much improved body at about half the price of the E3 - has anybody compared them?
Also the new VM95E uses the same stylus but with a much improved body at about half the price of the E3 - has anybody compared them?
I would like to compare the ATVM95E with the AT95E, they have the same stylus but different output and internals. However the cartridge that has drawn my attention is the ATVM95SH, now that would be interesting!
Curiosity got the better of me and as in all things hifi my interest in the AT95e has taken me down yet another rabbit hole. I have found this amusing and enthusiastic review of the AT VM95SH and it makes for interesting reading and contemplation of a cheaper alternative possibly to the mighty 2M Black FGS!
Take a read.
https://theaudiofiles.co.uk/vm95-cartridge-range-review/
willbewill
04-08-2019, 19:59
I have and have had a lot of AT95Es, have rebodied lots and also used the styli in K9s. I bought a VM95ML a while back and it is a definite improvement in detail, tightness and sound stage.
The VM95ML looks interesting and a good price for a ML stylus. However I think I would go straight to the SH if I go for a VM95.
Opti-cal
04-08-2019, 20:19
Curiosity got the better of me and as in all things hifi my interest in the AT95e has taken me down yet another rabbit hole. I have found this amusing and enthusiastic review of the AT VM95SH and it makes for interesting reading and contemplation of a cheaper alternative possibly to the mighty 2M Black FGS!
Take a read.
https://theaudiofiles.co.uk/vm95-cartridge-range-review/
Will be very interested in findings seeing as I have lots of 95(xx's) and have messed with bodies/styli to lesser of greater effect.
Have a real soft spot for nearly all Audio Technica's. Always good sound, always great value. Good luck I'm sure the SH will be a no lose bet!
Got to love an MC slaying MM!!
Audio Technica do make excellent cartridges, often forgotten is they make stonkingly good sounding and good value Moving Coil cartridges, the ATF7 I have on my main system turntable, a Rega Planar 3 is a very underrated and rarely considered cartridge that performs and sounds superb.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190804/5c4ee18db2b07fc152f12f840f3d9023.jpg
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Will be very interested in findings seeing as I have lots of 95(xx's) and have messed with bodies/styli to lesser of greater effect.
Have a real soft spot for nearly all Audio Technica's. Always good sound, always great value. Good luck I'm sure the SH will be a no lose bet!
Got to love an MC slaying MM!!
Which 95 combination did you like best?
Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 07:45
Which 95 combination did you like best?
I have a 95ex stylus in a wooden body. The stylus is trimmed (removed plastic part around cantilever) and the shell of the cartridge has been put in a wooden body.
Some pics here:2646926470264712647226468
Sounds very good to me. Makes the unmodified one (which I also have a spare of) sound a tad veiled and that is no slouch as it is.
I have a 95ex stylus in a wooden body. The stylus is trimmed (removed plastic part around cantilever) and the shell of the cartridge has been put in a wooden body.
Some pics here:2646926470264712647226468
Sounds very good to me. Makes the unmodified one (which I also have a spare of) sound a tad veiled and that is no slouch as it is.
Looks good. Where did you get the wood body from?
Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 09:28
Looks good. Where did you get the wood body from?
A seller on ebay has them for just about any popular cartridge you can imagine.
Here is a link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wood-Body-for-Audio-Technica-AT95E-cartridge-MC-Look-Pickup-Mahagony/263147541908?hash=item3d44d0d594:g:wOYAAOSwA3dYWCG u
Not only do they look better but they do sound better also. Gives my AT440mlb a run for its money. The 440 is more detailed still but this has a nice smooth rounded sound.
Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 09:29
Audio Technica do make excellent cartridges, often forgotten is they make stonkingly good sounding and good value Moving Coil cartridges, the ATF7 I have on my main system turntable, a Rega Planar 3 is a very underrated and rarely considered cartridge that performs and sounds superb.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190804/5c4ee18db2b07fc152f12f840f3d9023.jpg
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Looks nice Steve. I was thinking about an F2 to try out their lower end carts. F7 could now enter the arena . . .
Looks nice Steve. I was thinking about an F2 to try out their lower end carts. F7 could now enter the arena . . .
A friend of mine has both the ATF7 and ATF2, the only difference between them is the stylus, nude on the 7, shank mounted on the 2. He reckons there’s not much difference in sound quality making the 2 an absolute bargain for £50 less than the 7.
I’ve just checked the AT website and noticed they have released a budget version of the long running OC9 MC the OC9XEB at a similar price to the ATF7, that’s very interesting.
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Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 09:46
I also have an ATLP5, although the AT95EX was designed to go with it, it surprised me that the arm tilted downwards from pivot to stylus with the stylus in the record groove, I corrected this by using a 3mm shim between the cartridge and headshell, the mod improved the treble clarity noticeably, I use the same shim with the Goldring E3 that’s currently installed on it.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190804/0331dc8523719e711898821d59837b2c.jpg
I have noticed this also Steve although I didn't think it much of an issue as I know some carts/arms perform at their optimum with slightly different VTA's and little tweaks resulting in tail up/down.
This shim looks to work well, are you using it with a lighter headshell to keep the tonearm weight position the same as I've found piling on any extra weight can have quite a severe effect with low mass tonearms?
They also seem to have given it one b******* of a thick rubber mat (possibly to compensate for acute tracking angle) otherwise I would just use a slightly thicker one but not sure if they make em thick enough!!
I haven't noticed any particular drop off in HF but would be interesting to get it dead level and see if I can hear any difference.
I have noticed this also Steve although I didn't think it much of an issue as I know some carts/arms perform at their optimum with slightly different VTA's and little tweaks resulting in tail up/down.
This shim looks to work well, are you using it with a lighter headshell to keep the tonearm weight position the same as I've found piling on any extra weight can have quite a severe effect with low mass tonearms?
They also seem to have given it one b******* of a thick rubber mat (possibly to compensate for acute tracking angle) otherwise I would just use a slightly thicker one but not sure if they make em thick enough!!
I haven't noticed any particular drop off in HF but would be interesting to get it dead level and see if I can hear any difference.
I’m not using the AT headshell, mine is an ADC LMG-1 Magnesium shell which I believe is a bit lighter. The shim I use was made for me by an AOS member Johnnie7 from Audio Origami, he made me a set of 4 shims on his 3D printer out of plastic, 1,2,3 &4mm.
I think it all depends on how the stylus angle is set in manufacture, both the 95EX and E3 both sounded better to my ears using the shim.
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Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 11:12
A friend of mine has both the ATF7 and ATF2, the only difference between them is the stylus, nude on the 7, shank mounted on the 2. He reckons there’s not much difference in sound quality making the 2 an absolute bargain for £50 less than the 7.
I’ve just checked the AT website and noticed they have released a budget version of the long running OC9 MC the OC9XEB at a similar price to the ATF7, that’s very interesting.
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Not many reviews for the OC9XEB out yet . . . but hey, its an AT. It looks a very tempting package indeed. I'm in need of a great sounding budget MC that I won't give two hoots about racking up hours on . . . keep my re-tipped DL304 for special occasions . . . .
I've also just noticed the price for the bonded and nude elliptical is the same. . . . any thoughts?
Apologies for thread derailment Jimbo . . . . Have you looked into the paratrace stylus for the 95? Seems risky to pay well over 8 fold of the price of the cart/styli for a styli upgrade . . .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/The-95P-Paratrace-Upgrade-Stylus-Assembly-for-the-AT-95E-AT95E-MM-Cartridge-/253418591117
hifi_dave
05-08-2019, 11:25
Retail price of the OC9XEB is £210 and the OC9XEN is £300.
The VM95SH is £179 and that has a Shibata tip. Great value, especially when you look at the 'competition' at 3 x the price.
Not many reviews for the OC9XEB out yet . . . but hey, its an AT. It looks a very tempting package indeed. I'm in need of a great sounding budget MC that I won't give two hoots about racking up hours on . . . keep my re-tipped DL304 for special occasions . . . .
I've also just noticed the price for the bonded and nude elliptical is the same. . . . any thoughts?
Apologies for thread derailment Jimbo . . . . Have you looked into the paratrace stylus for the 95? Seems risky to pay well over 8 fold of the price of the cart/styli for a styli upgrade . . .
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/The-95P-Paratrace-Upgrade-Stylus-Assembly-for-the-AT-95E-AT95E-MM-Cartridge-/253418591117
No Problem, all interesting stuff.
Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 11:32
Retail price of the OC9XEB is £210 and the OC9XEN is £300.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-AT-OC9XEB-Moving-Cartridge-Elliptical/dp/B07SD9BRQR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=OC9XEB&qid=1565001959&s=electronics&sr=1-1&th=1
.... seems same on Amazon? Should I pull the trigger before it changes?!
Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 11:35
OC9XEN - trigger, pulled.
£210.00
somewhat expecting XEB to turn up . . .
hifi_dave
05-08-2019, 11:36
Most likely 'out of stock'.
Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 11:39
Amazon says its on the way.
Stock went from 3 to 2 . . . .
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-AT-OC9XEB-Moving-Cartridge-Elliptical/dp/B07SD9BRQR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=OC9XEB&qid=1565001959&s=electronics&sr=1-1&th=1
.... seems same on Amazon? Should I pull the trigger before it changes?!
Amazon often price stuff up wrongly then after a while they realise their mistake and correct it, it’s a steal at that price for someone with the money.
A couple of years back I bought a carry case for an archery compound bow off Amazon for £30 which had an RRP of £205, needless to say within days it was listed at the proper price.
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OC9XEN - trigger, pulled.
£210.00
somewhat expecting XEB to turn up . . .
Nice one, no doubt it will be excellent.
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Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 11:53
Amazon often price stuff up wrongly then after a while they realise their mistake and correct it, it’s a steal at that price for someone with the money.
A couple of years back I bought a carry case for an archery compound bow off Amazon for £30 which had an RRP of £205, needless to say within days it was listed at the proper price.
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Yup, had this with a couple of items too. (Although not quite £175 saving!) Just gotta be on the ball and a bit lucky I guess!
Opti-cal
05-08-2019, 11:53
Nice one, no doubt it will be excellent.
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Can't wait, will report back if all turns up as hoped!
Noodling around on the net after having my curiosity stoked by the AT95VMSH I came across another Audio Technica cartridge, the ATVM540ML. Reading reviews of this little beauty has wetted my appetite even more. Has anyone used this cartridge and if so what are your thoughts. The review I read suggested that it was extremely good and gave many top MC cartridges a run for their money, not that many MC cartridges can compete with the price tag at just £220!.
Has anyone used this cartridge and if so what are your thoughts
Can't wait, will report back if all turns up as hoped!
Has the OC9 arrived yet ?
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Opti-cal
15-08-2019, 10:38
Has the OC9 arrived yet ?
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Haha, indeed it has!! Only on Monday mind so only had a few hours on it after setup and installation.
I'm using it on an AT LP5 (underrated although appreciated) then through an Ortofon T20 MKII SUT then into a firebottle modded EAR834p (clone) phono stage.
It does not sound like a £300 cart so far. Straight out the box it is super accurate and with just lovely analogue dynamics.
Really rather happy with it so far. Reminds me of my Benz Micro Ace SL but for less than half the price (especially the price I paid!!).
I'll do a proper write up soon but here she is in action (camera phone) . . .
26502
26503
Haha, indeed it has!! Only on Monday mind so only had a few hours on it after setup and installation.
I'm using it on an AT LP5 (underrated although appreciated) then through an Ortofon T20 MKII SUT then into a firebottle modded EAR834p (clone) phono stage.
It does not sound like a £300 cart so far. Straight out the box it is super accurate and with just lovely analogue dynamics.
Really rather happy with it so far. Reminds me of my Benz Micro Ace SL but for less than half the price (especially the price I paid!!).
I'll do a proper write up soon but here she is in action (camera phone) . . .
26502
26503
Glad you’re pleased with it and not surprised, I had it’s granddad the ATOC7 on a Townshend Rock for over 20 years and still believe it’s the best cartridge I’d ever heard particularly after I had it rebodied by Stilton Audio.
I’m not sure what it’s like for depth probably 17.5mm, you may find on the ATLP5 that the arm tilts down a bit from arm pivot to stylus, I have to use a 3mm shim between cartridge and shell to get the arm parallel to the record, the Goldring E3 I use atm is also 17.5mm deep.
I totally agree about the ATLP5 being underrated, for the money it’s a bargain and runs my Rega very close, btw I’ve added damping material to the underside of my platter which banishes 90%+ of the ring, it also adds some extra flywheel effect as well. It gave a slight W&F improvement when checked with the RPM app.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190815/72326a4cc12541fb068f045a514d2050.jpg
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Opti-cal
15-08-2019, 10:58
Yup, could do with a shim to be fair.
It doesn't sound light though which I would have thought with the tail slightly up. I'm going to try and sort the leveling issue before I put too many more hours on it as I don't want to break it in at anything other than dead level.
I can use an additional mat on top of my standard one but the sound will certainly suffer. Hence I'm after a 7mm thick mat . . . search is so far elusive . . .
I've actually emailed AT about as to why the TT in standard form (with no VTA adjustment) is designed to run its homogenized cart (95ex) with such a tracking angle. No response yet though.
I've yet to hear a less than incredible (given the price) sounding AT OCxx cart. Top marks to AT as usual for price/performance ratio.
Wish I'd have bought two for that price now!
[QUOTE=Opti-cal;1113752]Yup, could do with a shim to be fair.
I’ve got a 2mm shim spare if you want it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190815/de263e7c829753fde4654b0de46051cf.jpg
Opti-cal
15-08-2019, 11:24
[QUOTE=Opti-cal;1113752]Yup, could do with a shim to be fair.
I’ve got a 2mm shim spare if you want it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalkhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190815/de263e7c829753fde4654b0de46051cf.jpg
Most kind Steve.
I'll PM you my address. Top man.
[QUOTE=steve-z;1113755]
Most kind Steve.
I'll PM you my address. Top man.
The 2mm shim should get it pretty close, then again there’s always going to be a little variation with different pressing thicknesses but it will be pretty marginal.
I notice Amazon have returned the price to RRP.
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Opti-cal
15-08-2019, 14:06
[QUOTE=Opti-cal;1113756]
I notice Amazon have returned the price to RRP.
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They sure have . . . like I said, wish I'd have bought two . . .or three . . .
I've actually emailed AT about as to why the TT in standard form (with no VTA adjustment) is designed to run its homogenized cart (95ex) with such a tracking angle. No response yet though.
A couple of years ago I had an ATLP120 which did have arm height adjustment, that came standard with the AT95E but even with the arm set as low as it would go it still wasn’t low enough to get the arm parallel to the record with the supplied mat, mind you I never used it as it was a DJ type slip mat. I used a 3mm thick cork mat with a 2mm thick acrylic mat on top of it which did the trick nicely. A friend of mine who has a Technics SL1200 found it was exactly the same and he had to shim his cartridge.
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The new At95ex stylus has now run in and it certainly is an improvement on the AT95e. The At95e sounds a bit thin and shrill by comparison whereas the At95ex is more full bodied. It has a better midrange and has a more solid stereo image. Detail is there but there is a more noticeable presence and body to vocals. The whole presentation is a bit smoother and sure footed. IGD is way better and some of the ragged top end and tracking on some vinyl has all but gone.
Very Impressed especially as it cost only a few more quid than the standard At95e.
brian2957
17-08-2019, 21:28
Yup , I'm still running mine in on my GL75 and it sounds excellent :)
Yup , I'm still running mine in on my GL75 and it sounds excellent :)
Have you got the AT95ex Brian?
brian2957
18-08-2019, 07:14
Yes I have mate . Really impressed with it so far .
Yes I have mate . Really impressed with it so far .
I thought the tonal quality would suit you mate? It is quite a different sound to the standard AT95e, at least from my perspective.
I am considering this at the moment AT-VM95ML
https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/cartridges/e798922daa95de6d/index.html
brian2957
18-08-2019, 10:04
I thought the tonal quality would suit you mate? It is quite a different sound to the standard AT95e, at least from my perspective.
I am considering this at the moment AT-VM95ML
https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/cartridges/e798922daa95de6d/index.html
Yes I agree James . The more expensive cartridges also look interesting .
I have the original AT95e cart ,and I also purchased Grants ATN-95E Shibata Stylus and body from him a year or 2 ago .
. I love them both but the Shibata is so much more clear at the top end and bass much fuller . Not sure how the EX differs from the Shibata ?
I have a feeling the shibata is quite a bit better than the elliptical EX. I would really like to try their micro line profile ML stylus.
Opti-cal
28-08-2019, 11:03
I would really like to try their micro line profile ML stylus.
AT MicroLine tips have always sounded top notch IME. Superb value for money. 440/150 were excellent. Haven't heard the new ones but no reason they'd be anything less.
I am very impressed with the uplift across the board with the AT95EX stylus compared to the E in the AT95E. There is a lot more body to the music and a smoother fuller sound especially noticeable on vocals. Sometimes the AT95E could sound a bit spitty but the AT95EX all but eliminates this aspect. The AT95E has a thinner tonal quality which highlights the top end at the expense of the midrange.
Although I am using this cartridge on a humble Garrard Sp25 Mk4 I may well evaluate it on my VPI rig just to get a complete picture of the abilities of the AT95EX. I am seriously pondering The AT-VM95ML as an everyday runner to save wearing out my 2M Black FGS too quickly so will report back when this happens.
Should be an interesting exercise.
An interesting review of the complete range of Audio Technica VM cartridges.
https://www.audioappraisal.com/audio-technica-at-vm95-detailed-review-measurements/
Also on the German Lowbeats site (apologies if I've posted this before)
https://www.lowbeats.de/test-audio-technica-vm95-6-mm-abtaster-bis-200-euro/
Hibster_2000
07-09-2019, 20:32
I am a big fan of the AT sound.
I have a couple of modified AT95s, an AT20SS, and AT150ea with the max stylus.
I think they sound fantastic.
Would highly recommend the lowly AT3600L as an absolute bargain.
0.6 Conical and it has no right to sound as good as it does.
To put in to perspective, I recently picked 2 of these carts up for £20 off the bay.
There are lots of threads about on how good they sound.
Can be upgraded easily too. I also use mine with a cracking elliptical stylus from LP Gear.
I recommend everyone try one of these for the silly money they are. Even if it's only for beat up records.
Hibster_2000
12-10-2019, 19:55
An interesting review of the complete range of Audio Technica VM cartridges.
https://www.audioappraisal.com/audio-technica-at-vm95-detailed-review-measurements/
Did you go for the Micro-line in the end?
The VM540 seems to be the sweet spot in the range.
Did you go for the Micro-line in the end?
The VM540 seems to be the sweet spot in the range.
Hi Kev,
all Hifi activity has had to stop for a while because of house move but it will be on my agenda when I am back up and running.
Bigman80
13-10-2019, 08:56
It's nice to see Audio Technica cartridges get some love. They've been making absolutely awesome cartridges for yonks.
AT95e
AT120
AT33PTG
AT33PTGII
AT33SA
AT-OC9II
ART7
Any of those to fit your budgets would be a superb listen and you have to spend big to outdo them in an outright manner.
Enjoyed the thread, the new models look great for the money.
It's nice to see Audio Technica cartridges get some love. They've been making absolutely awesome cartridges for yonks.
AT95e
AT120
AT33PTG
AT33PTGII
AT33SA
AT-OC9II
ART7
Any of those to fit your budgets would be a superb listen and you have to spend big to outdo them in an outright manner.
Enjoyed the thread, the new models look great for the money.
Yes they would be my go to alternative cartridge manufacturer after Ortofon. I will be exploring them in the future when my system lands in a new home!:lol:
hifi_dave
13-10-2019, 09:45
Audio Technica are very good value and one of the reasons is that they make everything themselves and not buy in parts as many other 'manufacturers' do.
Listening to my partner Helen's 1976 Sony Music centre tonight which has a Garrard SP25 TT. I have strapped the AT95EX stylus into this and have been listening over the last few months to this amazing cartridge. It really is superb value for money considering it was about £30. The tonal quality and body is spot on and delivers a very good performance that definitely punches above its weight.
If your were a newby venturing out into the analogue world and wanted to start with something decent that gave a good account of what vinyl is all about this cartridge does it. Nothing really missing that takes away any enjoyment apart from some top end info and probably a little audiophile 'air' but what it does deliver in spades is musicality. It is one of those cartridges that has an even handed approach with almost any music with little fuss.
Today I have listened to Jazz, Classical and electronic music and the AT95EX delivered a measured performance with each genre that engaged you and simply gave you a pleasurable listening experience. This was so relaxing compared to listening to hyper analytical audiophile stuff that has you twitching on the edge of your seat whilst you tick boxes in your mind over what it does or does not reveal.
Today I simply enjoyed the music, free form worrying I was missing something or what I was listening too was not audiophile. Surely in the end thats what HIFI should really be all about.:)
Made in 1968
04-01-2020, 21:36
I know a good AT cart from the past that is under the radar
:D
I know a good AT cart from the past that is under the radar
:D
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:
Made in 1968
04-01-2020, 21:40
Its a secret :lol:
Made in 1968
04-01-2020, 22:07
O go on then The original '100E' not the later one.
Here is the Shibata Styli not the cheaper Ellipticals
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATS12S.html
O go on then The original '100E' not the later one.
Here is the Shibata Styli not the cheaper Ellipticals
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATS12S.html
Ah the original AT100e. Are you intending to fit a Shibata stylus and have you any more info (specs) on this cartridge as it is difficult to find anything on it?
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 11:26
Thats cos its under the radar :lol: No Shibata for me cos im not that interested in spending big money on something im not that fussy about anymore, but with you being audio enthusiast i recommended the best Styli i thought you would be interested in getting the best out of that particular cartridge but a standard Elliptical can be fitted..
I know i got data on tons of early 60's/70's AT cartridges that never get talked about on forums, but no idea where.. You must be aware they there can be a minefield of confusion with em cos a lot of models carried on in different style bodies.. I dont personally have any time for the buget ones that were out in the 80's 90's..
The old '100' was available in an older black body 'A-100E'.. The original '13Ea' was a good un
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 14:21
If you are after an underated cheap cart pretty much the size of a 'AT95' The JVC 'Z1' was great. You can get Jico Shibata tip for em or could. The 'Z1'/'Z2'/'Z3' & 'Z4' bodies are the same,
You can still buy New 'Z4' with just a Spherical from Thakker.. But these dont look as nice as the other Z Black bodies..
Pay no more than £20 for a 'Z' body, dont let em take the piss..
Thats cos its under the radar :lol: No Shibata for me cos im not that interested in spending big money on something im not that fussy about anymore, but with you being audio enthusiast i recommended the best Styli i thought you would be interested in getting the best out of that particular cartridge but a standard Elliptical can be fitted..
I know i got data on tons of early 60's/70's AT cartridges that never get talked about on forums, but no idea where.. You must be aware they there can be a minefield of confusion with em cos a lot of models carried on in different style bodies.. I dont personally have any time for the buget ones that were out in the 80's 90's..
The old '100' was available in an older black body 'A-100E'.. The original '13Ea' was a good un
Thanks for the info Andre. I usually dabble with old Shure stuff not AT but I am sure there were some great cartridges in their back catalogue as indeed there are in their current one.
Made in 1968
05-01-2020, 14:27
Poland seller on E-Bay often sells a lot of thin on the ground cartridges..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cartridge-JVC-Z-1S/274152168947?_trkparms=aid%3D333200%26algo%3DCOMP. MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20171012094517%26meid%3D13ad0 051b3e347ccb531069f0b4d6a47%26pid%3D100008%26rk%3D 1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D264588405236%26itm%3D274152168 947%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219
After considering options for the A95ex replacement / upgrade I have decided to install the ultimate AT upgrade which is to try the Shibata stylus in the cartridge. It is currently on a slow boat from France kindly donated for trial purposes by another good AOS member. Looking forward to hearing the difference however I have doubts the system i am using has the ability or sensitivity to determine any difference between a diamond or a lump of coal!
We will see....
"This was so relaxing compared to listening to hyper analytical audiophile stuff that has you twitching on the edge of your seat whilst you tick boxes in your mind over what it does or does not reveal." - So true!
Main reason why I switched from my JICO N91ED SAS and Shure VN5xMR to the ATN95EX. Just listen to the music.
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