Decent inexpensive cartridge wanted.

[DSJR]

The body and basic mechanics is very closely related to the V15 XMR and VST-V models I understand, which jiggled the compromises into a slightly warmer toned sound than the neutral but possibly small-scale V15 VMR model, styli of which don't fit the XMR body. Jico have a phenomenal reputation for their SAS styli, which aren't expensive in all honesty, are much more finely crafted (tie-wires etc) and apparently out-perform the original styli (measurements too apparently). For best results, they appear to need 68K loading, rather than 47K plus shedloads of capacitance as is the norm. So many phono stages offer variable impedance for MC, but not for fixed coil types (shame!).

[hifi_dave]

There was an excellent thread on Vinyl Engine dealing with mods for the AT95. One fairly easy one is to cut the sides and front from the stylus housing leaving just the base. This obviously has to be done very, very carefully but apparently it improves the performance of the cartridge significantly. Probably best practised on an old, worn out stylus first though.

I bought an HE stylus from LPGear in the US for the AT95 I ran on my old Thorens TD316 which was fitted to a LINN Basik LVX arm and the improvement was staggering. Gorgeous delicate highs, a much more open midband and better definition in the lower registers, it also improved imaging quite a bit too. In all the sound was far more real...

Back in the mists of time when we used to buy AT95E cartridges in blister packs 40 at a time, we did a few mods such as paring away the excess plastic (?) on the stylus assembly and gluing what little there was left in place. No good for when the stylus needed replacement but we thought it sounded a touch better.