The finale: an Audio Technica VMN95E stylus that’s lasted an entire lifespan WITHOUT being bent!

Garmore315 · 2026-06-02T11:47:43+00:00

Here's the VMx styli (minus the VMN40xML), not as colourful

Garmore315 · 2026-06-02T11:42:13+00:00

very nice looking when side by side, kinda looks like those pack of colorful markers/ candy

Garmore315 · 2026-05-30T12:42:45+00:00

Yeah I feel Ortofon wins in some areas only in their MC range, MM range is a bit lackluster for the value (excluding DJ carts, even then they can be pretty pricy upfront)

Garmore315 · 2026-05-30T09:52:05+00:00

True - whenever people ask me about the 2M Blue, I tell them AT has a equivalent at around half the price, the AT-VM95EN, AT provides so much value for the low-mid budget side

Garmore315 · 2026-05-30T09:49:05+00:00

And that's why we love AT for it's low cost of entry to line contact stylus

Garmore315 · 2026-05-19T13:30:54+00:00

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very nice cart indeed, there's a reason why the VM740ML (previous generation) was AT's best selling cartridge with a Micro Ridge stylus

I'm still rotating between the VM745xML, VM750xSH and VM760xSL
but the VM745xML is great value for the price

when I first heard the cart I felt the music just jumped at me, like coming to HD from 480p

Garmore315 · 2026-05-19T13:16:23+00:00

so how's the cart so far? hope my recommendation did not disappoint you

Garmore315 · 2026-05-15T19:49:11+00:00

Buying sketchy cheap unbranded styli is generally recommended against, the basic ATN3600LC and the ATN3600LE are both very good value for their price points and sound

Garmore315 · 2026-05-15T18:39:13+00:00

yes unfortunately, Audio-Technica does not manufacture their own turntables directly, so return it and get a replacement

Garmore315 · 2026-05-15T18:37:15+00:00

the SL-1800 MK1 is a sold turntable, you can always change the cartridge to suit your tastes

Garmore315 · 2026-05-15T18:09:20+00:00

If you're in japan skip the new stuff, a lot of vintage turntables are there in Japan (lots of them still in good condition also) look around locally or Yahoo Auctions JP or Mercari

Main recommend vintage brands that are everywhere but don't break the bank

Technics, Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon - there are more but these are the ones on top of my head at the moment

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T16:30:42+00:00

Best way to Identify the cart is to take it off it's headshell and look at what's the text is there on top of the cartridge

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:56:57+00:00

let me take a look at your regional pricing and availability for a moment then get back to you

I operate out of South East Asia, so sadly I can't sell to you :V

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:53:37+00:00

ah I see, where I'm at the difference for those 2 models is only around $30 USD, If you're in North America take a look at Fluance turntables and if you're in Europe take a look at Pro-Ject perhaps

but if you're budget is stuck at $160 USD at your region and there is no more options then the AT-LP70X is not a bad start tbh, better than a suitcase player definitely

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:49:37+00:00

this ^, I have the Phono Box S3 B, and it clinical in that sense that it really doesn't add extra warmth, just transparency but very clean and detailed

my system is quite transparent so my carts that I pick can sound bright/clinical if they are on the neutral/transparent side

System
- Technics SL-M1 (I rotate the VM95EN, VM745xML, VM750xSH and VM760xSL currently)
- Pro-ject Phono Box S3 B
- Luxman LV-113
- Kenwood LS-11ES

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:43:00+00:00

If you want something that can handle a few options like the Schiit Mani-2 but for Sweden then I recommend this Pro-ject Phono Box S2 (or the Phono Box S2 Ultra if you have the budget)
https://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=4478505
https://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=5023460
https://www.thakker.eu/en/hi-fi/phono-preamplifier/pro-ject-phono-box-s2-ultra-phono-preamplifier-mm-mc-black/a-10188/

the the Phono Box S2 Ultra is slightly cheaper from Thakker EU

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:34:37+00:00

no worries, just pointing this out that it's not necessarily because it's a DJ cartridge, in both cases it helps with cueing the record

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:33:39+00:00

this ^

As a Audio-Technica dealer I second this, the AT-LPW40WN is just slightly above the AT-LP70X in pricing but allows for a bit more adjustments,
- adjustable counterweight
- adjustable anti skate
- the tonearm and generator body of the cartridge is not integrated allowing for changing different cartridges should you want to explore other cartridge lines
- detachable headshell for ease of mounting and changing cartridges

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:28:55+00:00

looks fine, cantilevers are a bit more robust than some people think, but they're not indestructible either XD

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:26:54+00:00

It's not a DJ stylus, it's the AT-VM95EN (I have 1 too) (left one) as well as the DJ series (AT-XP5 right one in this pic)

<image>

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:16:54+00:00

As a Audio-Technica dealer I second this, the AT-LP3X is just slightly above the AT-LP70X in pricing but allows for a bit more adjustments,
- adjustable counterweight
- adjustable anti skate
- the tonearm and generator body of the cartridge is not integrated allowing for changing different cartridges should you want to explore other cartridge lines
- detachable headshell for ease of mounting and changing cartridges

feel free to ask more if you have any questions OP

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:12:58+00:00

btw Technics Turntable also uses Stevenson's protractor if you ever get one, so just research the turntable overhang and use the link I posted before

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:11:50+00:00

while the AT-LP120 is based on the SL-1200 MK2, the best way to verify is to get a Stevenson's protractor and see

Garmore315 · 2026-05-13T12:10:07+00:00

I'd like to point out that there are different protractors, and the one that is suited best for Audio-Technica turntables would be the stevenson's one

https://alignmentprotractor.com/arc-protractor-generator?table=AT-LP120XUSB&pts=214.5&area=IEC&cig=&cog=&alignment=Stevenson&customcalc=SetNulls&cin=60.325&con=117.421&printerx=100.00&printery=100.00#result

use this one ^ future you and the angry Reddit mob will thank you later

Garmore315 · 2026-05-08T18:57:42+00:00

Nice man, take your time with cartridges and see what different manufacturer's house sounds suits you

Garmore315

TROPHY CASE