AT-VM95E vs. AT-VM95ML Stylus Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 เม.ย. 2021
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Here is a comparison of the two most popular styli from the Audio Technica VM95 line. I couldn't find any direct comparisons of these two styli while looking to make a purchase choice for myself, so I got both and made this video for others. The VM95E you see here is the black variant, but the green one is the exact same stylus. Only a visual difference between the two. I for one like both styli equally for different things. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Link to download audio files: drive.google.com/file/d/1D2vs...
AT-VM95E: www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica...
AT-VM95EBK (black): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
AT-VM95ML: www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica...
Song is Rosanna by TOTO
Turntable: 1981 Sony PS-X55S
Preamp: Pro-Ject Phono Box (TMR Edition)
![เปิดบ้านสุดหรู "เเจ็ค the ghost" ลั่นถ้าป๋องกพลลำบากผมเลี้ยงเอง!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1xbW4vULqGc/mqdefault.jpg)
Wow, the work you must have put into making this. Thank you! Very helpful
Keep in mind that the ML needle is good for 1000 hours, so the price ends up being cheaper than the E needle which has an elliptical stylus that will only be within specs for 300 hours. So the ML needle will last 3 times as long plus has better sound quality. With all this in mind, the ML is the clear choice. Excellent listening test, thank you!
Couldn’t agree more!
Bass is bouncier on ML too.
Great Job! Clearly shows a very very subtle difference.
This is a banger video. Either stylus is rocking it. The ML is better but they are both super enjoyable and very exciting to listen to! Thanks for sharing.
❤ I love the 95e. Thx
I listened with my AKG K240 MKII headphones.
For the second half, I closed my eyes and tried to detect the shifts.
Caught them every time.
I like it.
I would not call it an annoying sibilance; to my admittedly old ears, it sounded like a big improvement in high frequency definition and accuracy.
Is it worth an extra Benjamin for the ML stylus?
Having heard it, I think maybe.
Bravo on a very well produced and useful comparison!
Appreciate the compliments! I personally think the extra money is worth it. ESPECIALLY when it comes to inner groove distortion. I have another video on my channel comparing IGD on the last track (Africa) of this record. You can REALLY hear the difference between these two styli in that one.
Easily woth the money because the ML stylus lasts twice as long
U get 300 hrs on a 95e and the ml lasts around 1000 hrs
If your eyes were closed, how did you know which one is which. Sorry, I don't buy it.
Very helpful, thank you. Even soloing the two on Audacity, I can't hear a significant enough difference to justify $170+tax for the ML. I'd rather buy records with that money. My AT100E does fine and tracks lighter anyway.
Dope, Dope ... and DOPPPPPE!!!!
Holy SH**!!!! ..... the song, the sound quality of this VIDEO!
And was grooooovin' in my SEAT!!!
Glad you enjoyed the video!!!
Just getting back into the vinyl world after being out of it for 35 years. I have a fairly basic system with a newer Yamaha receiver, Klipsch reference Tower speakers and 12-in sub and an AT LP120 turntable with the standard cartridge that came with it. I did upgrade to an ART DJ preamp and I'm pretty happy with my system, but I know a better stylus and cartridge would make a big difference. I can tell a slight bit of difference listening to this video through my stereo, but can definitely tell a bigger difference on the files playing Africa comparing the inner groove distortion. I think I'll save up a little bit and spring for the ML. Thank you for the great recordings, they definitely helped. I'm sure even the VM95E would be a big step up from my old 95. But I think the ML would also help bring some of the older albums I have back to life more so than an elliptical.
Glad you enjoyed the comparison! The 95E is no slacker and perfect for the majority of systems, but the ML definitely pulls ahead where it matters most. At least it does for me. I can’t stand inner groove distortion 😂
thanks for making the source files available, when loaded into Audacity the differences are much clearer than when listening through TH-cam. The ML is clearly better when using headphones, the E is bit more spatial diffused (e.g. vocals have a better defined position in space on the ML) and therefore better detail. I can imagine this better accuracy of the ML also being a bit more boring in some circumstances, music that has been recorded with the ambiance sucked out of it might actually benefit from the E version.
For everyday casual listening over speakers I think the +100 euros price point of the ML isn't worth it. All 'n' all the e is very close to the ML, even the sibilance isn't dramatically different.
If I may make a suggestion for future videos: record at a higher sampling frequency (e.g. 88kHz), this will benefit transient response on playback.
Good stuff, man. Thank you!
You forget one thing in your comparaison, 300h for the cheapest one 1000h for the red one, 3x time more , imo thats worth 100$ more
@@Benebyy currently I pay 165 euros for a 95ML cart, while I pay 110 euros for a 95E cart including two extra 95e styli. Also, an ML replacement stylus is currently 147 euros vs. 83 euros for 3 E styli. In the long run, a setup using E styli, is much cheaper. Whether or not the 64 euro difference is worth it, is up to the individual listener. As I usually listen over speakers, where the differences will be much less obvious, if noticable at all, there is no added benefit to me to buy the ML version.
FWIW, I have neither carts. I still stick with my good old AT-95E carts and their 25 euro styli. Good enough for me ;-)
Excellent comparison, excellent song! I could clearly hear less essing/sibilance from the red stylus, along with what seemed to be a more centered balance (which I definitely did not expect). The black stylus seems ever so slightly biased towards the left channel in comparison. 🤔 When it's time to replace my E, I'll be forking over the extra cash for the ML!
Merci , très bonne initiative !!! La cellule « ML » semble apporte un supplément de clarté, une excellente cellule dans les deux cas
I’m coming from a 2m blue to the E. I’m sick of the over €200 euro for a stylus. I have a lenco gl75 with a linn lvv basik. What do you think??
More bass and warmer with 95ML.
I’ve listened to a number of different TH-cam videos on cartridge comparisons and can not tell anything different. TH-cam compression is so bad it veils the true sound. I have the VM95ML and all I can say is it sounds amazing. Technics sl1300 mk2 new caps and fixed the lift.
I don't know if you take requests, but I would love to hear a battle between the VM95E and the AT XP5, which fits on that body.
The AT XP5 isn’t something I’d buy for myself to test. I had and use these two styli already before making this video
@@AnalogBlog Thats cool, I totally get it. Keep up the good work!
Almost same highs but the ML have more body in the low frequencies making my choice
Nice comparison and I just bought the VM 95E and figured I can always upgrade later if I don’t like. Plus I got for $55. Plus free shipping. The only thing is my head she’ll doesn’t have the hole openings on the top, but somehow has on the bottom and should be standard. Also why is tye VM 95E not green?
There is a black version of the VM95E , you can find it online
My goal is to buy the ML version, unfortunately, in my country the ML is too expensive.
I'm listening on my 12 years tv I use as monitor to my computer and I can notice the difference, mostly in the bass. The ML makes is less "busy" or fuzzy.
I just changed from an Ortofon 2M Red to the AT-VM95ML on my Denon DP45F turntable, tracking at 1.5 grams and I love it! It suits my taste in jazz from the vibes of the MJQ, the piano of Bill Evans or the tenor saxophone of Michael Brecker.
Overall it's a good performer for the price IMHO
Recommended TF for 95ML stylus is 2gr
I'm thinking of swapping my 2M Red for AT-VM95ML. Was there improvement in sibilance & inner groove distortion?
@@UltrafineDeluxe It's like comparing chalk with cheese. I'd never go back to a 2M Red.
To my ears the 2M Red sounds like a budget unit, whereas the 95ML has an overall cleaner, clearer sound.
Of course it's different strokes for different folks.
Harder to notice the difference during the instrumental sections of the song. But you can definitely hear the difference in the vocal sections. To my ears, I can hear the high-end details in the vocals with the ML. Has an airy and spacious feel as it brings out the subtle high frequencies in the vocals. In this sample, I do prefer the ML.
ML sounds more controlled in vocals
My question is if I buy the AT-VM95E cartridge and then replace the stylus with VM95ML later on, would that be the same as if I bought the AT-VM95ML originally? In other words, are both carts identical?
The only difference is if you buy the VM95ML the cartridge body is made in Japan, whereas the VM95E is made in China. But other than that and some labeling on the top of the cartridge they are identical and you can just swap the stylus to the nicer one.
@@fruit_smoovie ugh, Made in China sucks...
How so? China makes almost everything we buy. Seems like a stupid thing to say. Unless you want to air uninformed (brain dead) right wing talking points in the comments section to a hifi video.
@@felixfranzen7318 China does not make everything I buy, and apparently you're uninformed about what they're doing based on your uninformed comment, go read their 100 Year Marathon (clearly you're unaware) and then tell me it's just a talking point, duh...
I don't have headphones right now to hear a difference between them. Have some curiosity of buying the ML or the Shibata. My interest is that in a few records that I have that are cut hot I can hear sibilance and Im really very annoyed by sibilance . So much that I prefer to listen those albums on digital. The question is did you find enough improvement in sibilance territory? Thanks for the video!
I've not heard a shibata (this is the black version of the E) to speak on behalf of it in regards to sibilance, but it's nonexistent in my case with the ML. There's a bit with the E, especially in the inner grooves. I have another video testing inner grooves with these two styli on my channel.
As a long-standing user of various AT ML-type styli, I can tell you that they make otherwise unbearably sibilant and fuzzy records (even very old ones that have suffered many play cycles with heavy crystal cartridges and conical sapphire styli) clearer than any other type of cartridge I have experienced. The familiar difference in fidelity between outer and inner grooves ("end of side distortion") is also much reduced, and on most newer, unworn records not even obviously audible to me. These are the main reasons I now stick to the brand and to the ML "microline" styli ever since I discovered them.
V95ML has more treble and presence it's more upfront. I'm gonna get this cartridge as a spare one along with LP5X turntable and after the stock one VM95E wears out will replace it with the ML.
V95ML 20-20000 Гц /channel separation 20 . AT-VM95E 20 - 22000 / channel separation - 20
I can't hear a difference! When I watch the video as well as listen, I think I hear the ML as more sonorous, more ringingm in a pleasing way. But that might be an illusion caused by knowing this stylus is meant to be better. Will listen with headphones later. Anthony, can you hear a difference? How would you describe it?
You'll likely hear more of a difference in headphones. The 95E is a bit tinny and harsh in the highs for my taste, but that's not to say it doesn't hold its own against the ML. Honestly, the difference is so minimal to where I'd be fooled into thinking the 95ML is a ripoff. Where the ML shines drastically is with inner groove distortion. I have a second video on my channel comparing these two on the last song of the album (Africa) and you can really hear the ML shine over the E. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on that video as well if you do go and watch it.
Which is yoir preferred cartridge for the price? Thanks for rhe vid!
The VM-95ML will always be my go to, but if I’m on a budget the 95E is a fantastic stylus
Wich protractor did you use to align and set the cartridge? I have the same tone arm and head shell, but I can't find a protractor to get an idea. thanks for the video.
It’s the third link on this page www.conradhoffman.com/chsw.htm
@@AnalogBlog Thank you, saludos from México.
Can you just switch styluses once you get the cartridge and headshell?
Yep
I just upgraded from the "e" to the "ML" and the difference is significant. High frequencies airy and bass punchy and no IGD! Plus 1000hrs predicted stylus life? No brainer, since the cost-per-hour equals out. Buy it!
And I just heard more details on Steely Dan's Gaucho LP than I've ever heard before.
Extra playing hours is all you're getting IMO. I'm listening to this comparison on high end studio monitors and there is little to no difference here. Certainly not $120+ extra.
@@Abruzzo333 In my case, the lack of IGD is a significant factor. To each his own. Sound quality is subjective. Enjoy the music.
I hear that the E is better in separation but a little weak in the upper bass, the ML is better in the upper bass and IGD, both a bit over high frequency's, the best balance is the Shibata because it have softer high frequency's
You should do this comparison on the last track, then difference will be more obvious
I did! The video is on my channel
is there a difference in loudness between the 2?
Not anything noticeable
own both of these (except the vm95e is green), can barely hear any difference
What's the head shell there?
Standard one that comes on the Sony PS-X55S
How can anyone make a comparison through their computer speakers.... through the internet?
The quality isn’t as good as hearing it in person, but you can still hear the difference! In headphones especially
To me the stock VM95E sounds just as good as the VM95ML. There are subtle differences but pretty minor and both have their good points.
I personally would not pay $150-$200 for the ML as a upgrade over the stock E cartridge.
The E is a great stylus. The main difference to my ear is inner groove distortion. I have another video comparing these two with that
And lifetime are not the same, 300h Vs 1000h
The E is definitely there as well
For me 95e was better, more space in sound
The better cardridge for the 95e is Shibata. The better card for elliptical card is microline sound wise
My AT-VM95E is green. Why is your black?
Also, play the innermost track towards the end. The ML will have way less IGD than the E.
There’s a black version of it! I assume just a stylistic choice since the stylus itself is the exact same as the green version. I personally am not a fan of the green look so went with the black for my personal use. I have a separate video on my channel testing IGD between these two styli
@@AnalogBlog I've read elsewhere that the black VM95E is made in China and the Green in Japan, but I'm not actually sure that is true.
At vmn95ml 💯
Better the whole cartridge with stylus and headshell (its safer _ changing the stylus VMN95ml is tricky and dangerous for the stylus )
Toto 👍🏻
Mannnnnnnn .... I FORGOT how hard this track, this BAND ROCKS!!!
Damn!!!!
Oh, and muh MAN, Jeff (freaking) POCARO on DRUMS!!!!
Shufflin' his ASSS off!!
The black one sounds better.
Definitely sounds great!
I can't hear a difference with my Sennheiser HD 439 headphones.
I use AKG K612 Pro and I can definitely hear a difference. The main vocalist is more singing in the center with the ML. The E is a little left. Also the Hi Hats are sort of in your face with the E.
I listen on my wireless Sony WF XB700 and can definitely hear the difference. Subtle, but preferable imo.
95e wins
I was just about to send back the "E" I just purchased for the"ML", but I won t anymore after hearing this.
The difference is subtle. The E is going to be perfect for most people
@@AnalogBlog I owned them both and bought the green "Made in Japan" VMN95E stylus which is on par with the VMN95ML. The black bulk version is slightly worse and also cheaper "Made in China"
Comparing E vs ML on the plate's edge is like fucking for virginity.
There’s another video comparing inner groove distortion if you’d prefer that
The ML fixes the treble/upper mids which is always relatively splashy, harsh and sibilant on all bonded ellipticals esp near inner grooves of hot cuts. Bonded elliptical has the shortest life and the worst sound of all carts making them terrible value. I wouldnt even go near vinyl replay if they were all that existed. Nude elliptical helps alot but still can get sibilant and igd remains. A shibata or ML is a minimum for me to bother with vinyl replay
Bingo...sibilance with the E. I only own a at440mlb. It has been super solid with IGD and punch. The 95ml for a low end cart sounds damn good.
@@edguyrocks5865 Same impression here. AT440ML for new and as-new records, AT95ML for "well-loved" older discs. Nothing better both for listening and for transcribing to digital - if your record isn't crackly, a hi-res WAV recorded using the AT440 is easily mistaken for a direct transfer of the master, as the vinyl-typical fuzziness and sibilance are completely absent. For the first time in over 50 years of listening to vinyl, these cartridges reliably give me the impression of listening to the recording itself, not merely a cheaply mass-produced copy.
The green AT VMN95E Stylus - only the green stylus - is even better since its also "Made in Japan", since the black AT VMK 95E ( bulk version) is the slightly cheaper one which is "Made in China" and not so strict quality control. So I did also owned the AT VM95ML and also the VM95SH and sold them both since the green VMN95E stylus sounded the best. The bass was also deeper, tighter and more refined when cmpared to the ML and SH versions plus it sounded more enjoyable to be, since the ML is sometimes to bright on its highs and the very important mids are neglected. So buying the AT VM 95ML is not only the worse choice from the sonical point of view and destroys records more quickly due to its very sharp edge, but its also waste of valuable money. You can buy four VM95E for the price of one ML and the needle durability is the same. 1000 hours vs 300 hours is only for marketing reasons. From the physical point of view, the elliptical stylus should be even more durable, than the extra sharp one with less surface material.
What did you think of the SH? I would have thought is better than the ML and E?
@@topkho The AT VM 95 SH was the worst of them all. It sounded horrible.
@@JohnSmith-so7mh and I agree that the ML is very detailed and impressive in a hifi way but the midrange is thin and it’s bright, tonally
@@topkho The green version of the VM 95 E is the tonally most balanced one, if you ask me. But you have to play it for at least 30 yours, before it sounds almost perfect. If you listen to it fresh from the start, then it will have the same brightness as the VM 95 ML, but it gets much better over time and the mids starting to come over. This is simply because the cheaper versions dont get polished during the manufacturing process, unlike the more expensive ones. So take a cheap LP and play it over and over for minimum 10-20 hours. You dont have to listen during this process only waiting. But the VM 95 E already sounds great from the start and no other system from a price range until 150€ cant compete with it. Its almost to good to be true, but dont buy the black stylus - its the worse bulk version for cheap turntables.
@@JohnSmith-so7mh fantastic advice! Thank you. For above 150 euros, what are the cartridges that you like, well balanced?
I can't hear the difference!
That’s not the 95E
Yes it is. There is a black version
At-vm95e is green
There is a black version with nothing different about it but the color of the casing
What is the shabata like
@@Ricky-cl5bu I’ve not personally heard one to provide insight, but I’ve heard others prefer the ML
Almost same on outer groves. Shibata perform better on inner goves
I'm always fascinated how people claim how they can hear subtile difference at youtube videos! Joke!
Abslolutely no difference can be heared here except in one's head.
This is useless! Switching carts is the right idea, but you need to compare the same part of the track!
Play the same 10 seconds with both carts/styli! This flipping while running does NOT directly compare, how the two handle the same passage at all!
The source files are available in the description for you to download and directly compare in whatever way you’d prefer! This video provides a quick comparison that is noticeable. This format is good if you close your eyes and try and listen for when the change happens.
With a repetitive song like this, that isn't a big problem IMHO. It's the same phrases, voices and instruments over and over again anyway, like most pop songs: Twenty seconds of creativity make a four-minute "hit"....