Has anyone heard the AT-VM95SH ? ...

Thanks, I missed that. (nt), posted on May 7, 2021 at 11:16:45
reelsmith. Audiophile Posts: 13131 Location: CT Joined: June 7, 2005 Contributor Since: January 19, 2010	. reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.

RE: Has anyone heard the AT-VM95SH ? ..., posted on May 7, 2021 at 14:08:08

flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011

In an issue of HiFi World, the technical measurements showed improvements in the area of frequency response and tracking ability over the base models (VM95E bonded elliptical - which was the worst for tracking ability and VM95C conical which was predictably the worst for frequency response), but the reviewer advised "not to get too distracted" by the better styli as "at its heart" the VM95 was still a budget cartridge.

The styli do add their own character to the sound but the basic character of being forward in the midband and fairly cool in the sound carried over to the better styli which offered improved HF detail and imaging as expected on the inner grooves. The reviewer noted that "they don't alter the basic presentation" and suggested that the VM500/700 series would provide a "punchier and less bland lower midrange".
The basic trend showed a roll off above 16kHz and channel separation was low at around 21dB which will affect the perceived soundstaging width if you are used to much better cartridges.
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

If it were me, I'd spend less money and get the ML., posted on May 7, 2021 at 14:35:10
ghost of olddude55 Audiophile Posts: 32546 Joined: July 14, 2017	I haven't heard the VM95, but my experience with Shibata vs. ML styli, the ML is, to my ears, far superior. Not even close. I'm sure others methods will vary... The VM95ML is (or was) $160. The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

RE: If it were me, I'd spend less money and get the ML., posted on May 7, 2021 at 19:30:04
vinyl survivor Audiophile Posts: 1471 Location: Southeastern US Joined: November 28, 2007	I know someone that has the AT VM95ML and he loves it.

RE: If it were me, I'd spend less money and get the ML., posted on May 7, 2021 at 20:15:56

flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011

The ML is technically the best, but the Shibata seems to be aimed more at those who like a warmer voicing whilst getting some of the advantages afforded by a line contact tip.

Interestingly, AT use the original Shibata spec with the 75um (6x75um) bearing radius on their cartridges whereas Ortofon use the "short" Shibata (6x50um) for all their Shibata models including the Cadenza Black. It is of particular note for the VM95SH given that it is more likely to be used on a modest turntable potentially with less adjustability compared to the customer wanting a Cadenza Black and the longer line would be trickier to get optimally set up.
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

I have to admit..., posted on May 8, 2021 at 04:02:30
ghost of olddude55 Audiophile Posts: 32546 Joined: July 14, 2017	I've never heard AT's Shibata. Did hear Ortofon's and didn't care for it at all. In fact, I'd never buy another Ortofon MM. But that's just me. I had a B&O cartridge rebuilt by the Schallplatten guy in Germany, he put a Shibata on it. It was pretty good, better IMO than Ortofon, but not in the same league as the AT's ML. The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

AT shibata, posted on May 8, 2021 at 06:00:46

MaxwellP
Audiophile

Posts: 1622
Location: New York
Joined: September 19, 2007

I've been using an oc9xsh with a shibata for about 6 months now. Prior to that I had used the 150mlx with the microline for about 10 years. I switched because I wanted to try something different. Admittedly, one is MC and one is moving magnet.

The shibata is smoother in the treble. I had the sense that the microline was very slightly etched, very slightly forward, and very slightly relentless. This, of course, is to my ears on my equipment.

I just want to throw my 2 cents in to defend the shibata. I'm not sure the microline is better, it's just different. But the shibata is a valid choice.

If I ever get a VM95, I'll try the ML and SH styli..., posted on May 8, 2021 at 08:31:53
ghost of olddude55 Audiophile Posts: 32546 Joined: July 14, 2017	since, like I said below, I've never heard AT's Shibata. I had an AT-14 with a Shibata on it but the stylus was shot and I never played it. I'm hyper sensitive to sibilance. That's the deal clincher for me with the ML, at least compared to the other (non-AT) Shibatas I've used. The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

Just ordered one, posted on May 8, 2021 at 11:39:58
PotatoJunkie Audiophile Posts: 183 Location: NY Joined: November 21, 2003 Contributor Since: May 4, 2006	2M Bronze stylus is showing sings of aging (like us all!) so not having the $335 clams for an new one right now I'ma gonna try this! The Bronze was amazing and once I sell off some stuff of my ever building collection I will probable swing for the Black stylus. Should be here next week, I'll let ya'll know my thoughts....

Thinking about ordering the basic E version for my AR. nt, posted on May 8, 2021 at 13:17:59
ghost of olddude55 Audiophile Posts: 32546 Joined: July 14, 2017	nt The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.

Please let us know what you think ..., posted on May 8, 2021 at 17:20:08
reelsmith. Audiophile Posts: 13131 Location: CT Joined: June 7, 2005 Contributor Since: January 19, 2010	I'm not in the market for a cartridge, but am a big fan of AT, so am curious. I hope it works out well for you. Dean. reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.

OC9x series, posted on May 8, 2021 at 17:49:29

Montmorency
Audiophile

Posts: 174
Joined: March 8, 2019

I am currently using the OC9xslc. It too is quite pleasantly smooth in the treble. The tip is microscopic compared to the other styli used in the OC9 line. They are remarkable performers, easily worth double their current cost. You are also right about the perceived forwardness of the 150mlx, but I never thought it to be too etched, either. I am curious about the VM760slc, top of the range for the VM series. What's great about them are the interchangeable styli.

AT-VM95 etc, posted on May 11, 2021 at 14:05:31

hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000

back in the day, when CD4 quad had just come out, my friend lent me an AT14S which was a Shibata indicated by the S, and we felt it was too bright. BUT, in those days, VTA adjustment wasn't much thought of so in retrospect, i can't righteously say that the cart was really bright.

i avoided Shibata styli for decades. the AT440ML was called bright all across the 'net and when i mounted one for a friend on a Grace 707, it was bright, so i adjusted the VTA and VOILA! no longer bright. my first 440 was mounted on my MMT arm and it wasn't bright so it must have inadvertently had the vta right.

so now, i might be entirely ready for a Shibata but i already have more than a few carts mounted and some NIB that i can't justify another cart purchase.

i am encouraged by the affordable carts available today.
...regards...tr

Vinyl Asylum

Has anyone heard the AT-VM95SH ? ...

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