Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML

[Brutus1968]

Years ago, when I completed to restoring project for my Lenco L-75S, I decided to buy a cheap cartridge to test the performance. I decided for a Goldring 2100: cheap enough and with a number of positive reviews. Despite the cheap Goldring, the performance of the Lenco was above expectations, so I decided to keep it and sell a Thorens TD125 to refund the project. Fast forward to present, and the Lenco is sitting in the main system now, so I thought it deserved a better cartridge. I wanted to remain in a cheap range (at least in line with the level of the tonearm) and after reading a number of reviews, this time I decided to buy the AT-VM95ML, which is less than 200 euro, but it offers a microlinear needle, and the possibility to change in the future to a shibata one. Online reviews are very positive, but I was worried of making a side-grade instead of an up-grade. Instead I have to say I am really impressed with its performance, especially the midrange and treble belong to a different class (more musical) respect to the Goldring (more aggressive), and it is engaging with rock music, with a good presence in the low octaves.
The same line offers also cheaper versions with conical and elliptical needles, and you can upgrade by simply keeping the body and changing the needle. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a good Q/P MM cartridge.

Best

[bod]

Microline/Microridge is far better than Shibata in my experience. IIRC the ML/MR profile was designed by AJ Van Den Hul as part of his PhD thesis. Namiki and other manufacturers changed the dimensions ever so slightly so they would not have to pay AJ royalties. Shibata was designed for Quad LP playback and apart from being a pain to align correctly it always seems far too goosed in the higher frequencies for my taste. I personally won't change from the ML/MR profile as I have found it to track better than any other profile and also relatively easier to align correctly.

[Brutus1968]

Microline/Microridge is far better than Shibata in my experience. IIRC the ML/MR profile was designed by AJ Van Den Hul as part of his PhD thesis. Namiki and other manufacturers changed the dimensions ever so slightly so they would not have to pay AJ royalties. Shibata was designed for Quad LP playback and apart from being a pain to align correctly it always seems far too goosed in the higher frequencies for my taste. I personally won't change from the ML/MR profile as I have found it to track better than any other profile and also relatively easier to align correctly.

Thanks for your comments, very interesting. Even AT is declaring that ML and Shibata designs should be considered at the same level, but with different characteristics, so the choice should be based more on personal taste.
The alignment on my deck was a bit of a pain, and the 2 points system that I generally use doesn't suit 100%. Anyway I managed to get a good compromise and I don't feel any audible distortion along the grooves.

Best

[bod]

I have a the Feickert protractor if you are local enough (I'm in South Dublin) and want me to have a look for you. PM if interested.

[Diapason]

I actually wrote a post about this very thing a while back. Let me link it here.

In short, the ML solved all my tracking problems, and the SH brought back a tonal balance that is generally (but not always) more to my taste. I love being able to switch between them with ease.

[Brutus1968]

I have a the Feickert protractor if you are local enough (I'm in South Dublin) and want me to have a look for you. PM if interested.

Thank you very much, but I should be OK. I may try to experiment with other alignment options and see if I can get an even better result. But me ears are satisfied so far.

Best

[Brutus1968]

I actually wrote a post about this very thing a while back. Let me link it here.

In short, the ML solved all my tracking problems, and the SH brought back a tonal balance that is generally (but not always) more to my taste. I love being able to switch between them with ease.

Thanks for the link. I can't make any comparison, but some of my impression are in line with your description. Considering your comment the ML is probably the needle for my taste, but considering the price to pay it is nor excluded one day I will buy the shibata too.

Best

[bod]

I have a the Feickert protractor if you are local enough (I'm in South Dublin) and want me to have a look for you. PM if interested.

Thank you very much, but I should be OK. I may try to experiment with other alignment options and see if I can get an even better result. But me ears are satisfied so far.

Best

No worries. When it comes to alignment, I much prefer Baerwald over Stephenson. Baerwald gives much better performance on the inner grooves for long sides. Inner groove distortion is something I cannot abide.

[Diapason]

I'm pretty sure I took the same approach for exactly that reason. The nerdiness of this appeals to me, I must admit.

[bod]

Wait until you try the Degritter Mark II Ultrasonic cleaning machine. There is no turning back after that!