Audio Technica Shibata vs Microline

[Diapason]

As you'll see in my signature, I have been using the Audio Technica VM95ML cartridge for the last few months. There are 6 different stylus options for the VM95 body, and the ML version I've been using is, as you might expect, a microline. You can swap the stylus for any other in the range, the cartridge bodies are apparently identical, so I recently bought a Shibata (the VM95SH) to compare, as I had read it's a slightly more relaxed sound.

I had a hugely entertaining morning listening to the SH. I didn't bother trying to A-B with the ML, partly because I hate the process and partly because I was more interested in my reaction under "normal" circumstances. What follows, then, is entirely unscientific and should not be taken as anything other than one man's experience and opinion. To be honest, I'm surprised that 2 styli offering virtually identical frequency responses could yield such a different subjective feel, but here we are.

All told, I really like the VM95SH, my early sense is that it delivers exactly what I wanted it to deliver, and it will almost certainly be my daily driver from now on. I can't in all good conscience tell you that I think it's "better", but for my use it's certainly more enjoyable. I really admire the ML for its detail retrieval, the clear and open sound it presents, the treble air, crisp cymbals, and of course its great tracking (a huge contrast to my previous Elys, which was horrible in that department). Compared to the SH I find it to have a more focused sound, I find it quieter in the groove and it has a sparkle and projection that can really open up a good recording. There's no doubt the ML allows me to listen further into the mix, pick out lines with ease, etc., but I've had misgivings about the tonal balance on some records for a while now, and in the worst cases I found myself not listening to certain albums because I wasn't really enjoying them.

In contrast, the Shibata is a more expansive sound, less focused but subjectively "bigger", with a deeper soundstage. To use the old analogy, where the ML is a more front-row presentation, the SH is a few rows back, and it might sacrifice a bit of detail for a broader-brush kind of sound. However, I find the overall tonal balance more to my taste, and it's much "easier" to listen to if that makes any sense. Acoustic bass lines in some older jazz recordings were inclined to get a little lost with the ML, but now they're more balanced again. The entry of the horns on Sonny Rollins "Alfie" didn't have me reaching for the volume control to turn it down, in fact quite the opposite. Yes it's more laid back, and if you're not looking for that then stick to the ML. Me, I found it more lifelike (that's very system dependent!) and it seemed to bring an extra gorgeousness to the sound that I found compelling. It's not all good news, of course. I found sibilant sounds *slightly* less well-handled -- Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, one of my personal torture tracks, is much cleaner with the ML. I noticed surface noise where I hadn't really noticed it before, so it seems less forgiving in that regard. But still, I just enjoyed everything more, and that's why we're here.

There are swings and roundabouts then, but what's great about it is that I don't have to choose. If I find myself pining for the other presentation, a stylus change takes approximately 10 seconds. I'm delighted to have both, I'd strongly recommend both. I think they're a steal for the price, the SH is the more expensive of the 2 and it was 174 euro shipped to my door.

[Ivor]

My understanding of micro line is that it mimics the cutting lathe used in the production of the original master vinyl. That said it is less forgiving of any error in alignment or azimuth. If you get it right its fantastic. That's not a lot of investment for a lot of quality.

[Fran]

I think you've got a very nice pairing there - one stylus for some things, and another for others. Not a bad combination to have.


fran

[Diapason]

Thanks guys. The bulk of that was written for a different forum (yeah, I see other forums) where these cartridges are regularly recommended, with the ML getting most of the love. Probably fair to say it's of niche interest here, but I thought I'd share for posterity.

I find it a bit mad how changing only the shape of the cut and literally nothing else can have such a subjective difference. I also have the conical from the range (it was 25 euro or something) and it's surprisingly good for the money. I use that for the really beat-up stuff I've been gifted, and I can report that it worked ok for Iron Maiden!

Still enjoying the vinyl journey anyway. Urge to tinker is growing...

[Fran]

I'd say you have a progression of sensitivity to setup there too - conical being the least fussy, all the way up to geek level.......

[Fran]

I'm very slowly catching up on bits and pieces of projects over the last while.

Anyway, one of them concerns the predecessor to this cart, the AT95e. I got my copy of one with a parts TT I bought some time back, but they aren't dear for sure. Anyway, a friend of mine overseas is a fan of this cart and his messages encouraged me to trick about with it.

I bought a ebony wood body on ebay for it (€55) and fitting was very easy. My friend advocates putting a little nail varnish on the stylus which must have some sort of damping effect. Anyhow, suffice to say, I'm damn impressed by what I'm hearing. Its not as refined as the MC carts I have here, but it does a huge amount right. Its not hard or harsh at all, does dynamics well, is maybe a little darker sounding, but copes very well with complex passages. I'm intrigued by the hyper elliptical and shibata styli now of course.

Looks good too imho.

[hudo]

Few days ago i finally replaced worned out Goldring for AT VM740ML, and can't stop listening now:)
Almost went with Nagaoka MB400 Shibata, just because i heard great things about that cartridge, but thought ML would be maybe better fit for my system. Will try some SH model next definitely, but for now enjoying ML very much!

[Fran]

I've been listening here a bit tonight, and I'm still taken with this cartridge - it sounds far better than it should for sure given the cost. Its a sound I could live with for sure.

I have another cartridge to try out soon, so it will be interesting to compare and contrast. It just got a hell of a lot harder to justify spending €€€ on a high end MC cart for sure. Not saying I wouldn't do it, but this is a bit of a revelation. I have another vintage but essentially brand new AT450 that has a microline cut, and it sounds lovely too, I have always been impressed by it, but this is step above it, is more smooth and involving.

I think its a bit of a game changer.

Fran

[Fran]

I've been listening here a bit tonight, and I'm still taken with this cartridge - it sounds far better than it should for sure given the cost. Its a sound I could live with for sure.

I have another cartridge to try out soon, so it will be interesting to compare and contrast. It just got a hell of a lot harder to justify spending €€€ on a high end MC cart for sure. Not saying I wouldn't do it, but this is a bit of a revelation. I have another vintage but essentially brand new AT450 that has a microline cut, and it sounds lovely too, I have always been impressed by it, but this is step above it, is more smooth and involving.

I think its a bit of a game changer.

Fran