Mikeandvan
19-08-2025, 20:18
Hi guys, not posted for a while, as things are pretty static in my hifi set up, but thought I'd try the Shibata version of the AT-VMN95. Been using the EN version for the past few years now (bought it 3 times in the past 2 years, as they're only good for 300 hours apparently, though I probably go twice that). Before that I had the 95 microline which picks up a silly amount of surface noise, so much that it made records unlistenable. The Shibata is good for 800 hours apparently, but cost 150 notes opposed to 90 for the EN, these prices are for styli only as they are interchangeable within the VMN95 group.
First impressions with the shibata is that it's definitely more of a hifi cart than the EN. With some LPS the music doesn't cohere so well, but the separate parts are more delineated. I'm guessing it's going be good with my latest love of ECM recordings, guitar solos etc. Probably be a good idea to have two headshells and change carts as required to suit the music, why didn't I think of this before?!
Sounding good for now anyway.
First impressions with the shibata is that it's definitely more of a hifi cart than the EN. With some LPS the music doesn't cohere so well, but the separate parts are more delineated. I'm guessing it's going be good with my latest love of ECM recordings, guitar solos etc. Probably be a good idea to have two headshells and change carts as required to suit the music, why didn't I think of this before?!
Sounding good for now anyway.