Audio-Technica AT-VM95EBK Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The AT-VM95EBK is a VM95 Series dual moving magnet phono cartridge from Audio-Technica (Tokyo, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Fitted with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus on an aluminium cantilever, it delivers a 4.0 mV output voltage and a frequency response spanning 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz, making it an accessible yet genuinely capable cartridge for half-inch mount turntables. The VM95 Series platform is one of Audio-Technica's most established cartridge families, and the AT-VM95EBK shares its body with five other VM95 variants, meaning the stylus can be upgraded at any time without replacing the cartridge body.

Dual Moving Magnet Design and VM95 Platform

Audio-Technica's VM (Virtual Mode) dual moving magnet design positions two magnets, one per channel, at the tip of the cantilever rather than using the single-magnet arrangement found in conventional moving magnet cartridges. This geometry reduces magnetic interference between channels and improves channel separation, which the AT-VM95EBK achieves at 20 dB at 1 kHz. The specially wound coils are designed to maximise output voltage, producing a robust 4.0 mV signal that works well with the phono stage inputs of a wide range of amplifiers and receivers. The coil uses TP (tough pitch) copper wire with an impedance of 3.3 kΩ at 1 kHz and a DC resistance of 485 ohms, characteristics that contribute to consistent, low-noise signal transfer from stylus to phono stage.

Elliptical Stylus and Interchangeable Stylus System

The AT-VM95EBK ships with a bonded 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, which traces groove modulations with greater precision than a conical tip by presenting a smaller contact radius in the lateral plane. The elliptical profile retrieves more high-frequency detail, reduces tracing distortion in inner grooves, and maintains better contact with both groove walls during dynamic passages. The recommended vertical tracking force range is 1.8 to 2.2 g, with a standard setting of 2.0 g. A vertical tracking angle of 23 degrees and a static compliance of 17 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne ensure compatibility with a broad range of tonearms. Critically, all VM95 Series cartridges share an identical body, so the AT-VMN95E stylus can be swapped for any of the six AT-VMN95 replacement styli, from the conical AT-VMN95C through to the Shibata-tipped AT-VMN95SH, allowing a meaningful upgrade path without purchasing a new cartridge body.

Housing, Mounting, and Practical Setup

The AT-VM95EBK uses a durable low-resonance polymer housing with threaded inserts that allow mounting directly to a standard half-inch headshell using only two screws, with no nuts required. This simplifies installation and reduces the risk of dropped hardware during mounting. The cartridge weighs 6.1 g and measures 17.2 mm H x 18.9 mm W x 28.3 mm D, fitting within the dimensional envelope of most standard headshells. Recommended load impedance is 47,000 ohms, and load capacitance should be set between 100 and 200 pF at the phono stage for optimal frequency response.

Key Features

• VM95 Dual Moving Magnet Design: Two independent magnets, one per channel, reduce inter-channel magnetic interference and contribute to 20 dB of channel separation at 1 kHz for clear stereo imaging.
• 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical Stylus: The bonded elliptical tip traces groove detail more accurately than a conical stylus, recovering more high-frequency information and reducing inner-groove distortion.
• 4.0 mV Output Voltage: Specially wound TP copper coils deliver a strong output signal compatible with the phono inputs of a wide range of integrated amplifiers, receivers, and dedicated phono stages.
• Interchangeable AT-VMN95 Stylus System: The shared VM95 cartridge body accepts all six AT-VMN95 replacement styli, from the entry-level conical to the high-end Shibata, providing a clear upgrade path without replacing the cartridge.
• Threaded Insert Mounting: Mounting slots with integrated threaded inserts allow two-screw installation with no nuts, simplifying headshell fitting and reducing the risk of loose hardware.
• Low-Resonance Polymer Housing: The durable housing minimises unwanted body resonances that can colour the signal, contributing to low distortion and clean tonal reproduction.
• Half-Inch Mount Compatibility: Standard half-inch mounting geometry fits the vast majority of consumer and audiophile turntable headshells.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EBK?

The AT-VM95EBK is a VM95 Series dual moving magnet phono cartridge from Audio-Technica, fitted with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil bonded elliptical stylus on an aluminium cantilever. It outputs 4.0 mV, covers 20 to 22,000 Hz, and mounts to any standard half-inch headshell. It is the elliptical-stylus variant of the VM95 Series, positioned above the conical AT-VM95C and below the line-contact AT-VM95ML in the range.

How does the AT-VM95EBK compare to the Ortofon 2M Red or Rega Carbon?

The AT-VM95EBK competes directly with the Ortofon 2M Red and sits above the Rega Carbon in terms of stylus geometry and retrieval capability. The Ortofon 2M Red also uses an elliptical stylus but outputs 5.5 mV versus 4.0 mV on the AT-VM95EBK; both are compatible with standard phono stages. A key differentiator is the VM95 upgrade path: the AT-VM95EBK body accepts five higher-tier AT-VMN95 styli including line-contact and Shibata profiles, allowing progressive upgrades without replacing the cartridge. The Rega Carbon uses a conical stylus and is typically bundled with entry-level Rega turntables rather than sold as a standalone upgrade. The AT-VM95EBK offers a more capable stylus profile and a clearer upgrade trajectory than either alternative at its price point.

What is the difference between the AT-VM95E and the AT-VM95EBK?

The AT-VM95EBK is the black colourway variant of the AT-VM95E. Both use identical VM95 dual moving magnet technology, the same 0.3 x 0.7 mil bonded elliptical stylus, and share every specification. The difference is cosmetic: the AT-VM95EBK features a black housing rather than the standard colour finish of the AT-VM95E. Performance, compatibility, and the AT-VMN95 stylus upgrade system are identical across both versions.

Can I upgrade the stylus on the AT-VM95EBK?

Yes. The AT-VM95EBK body is compatible with all six styli in the AT-VMN95 interchangeable stylus family. Available upgrades include the AT-VMN95C (conical), AT-VMN95E (elliptical, the included stylus), AT-VMN95EN (nude elliptical), AT-VMN95ML (microlinear), AT-VMN95SA (special alloy line contact), and AT-VMN95SH (Shibata). Each stylus snaps directly onto the same cartridge body, so the upgrade cost is the stylus only. The Shibata-tipped AT-VMN95SH in particular represents a substantial performance step and is capable of playing four-channel quadraphonic records in addition to standard stereo vinyl.

What phono stage settings does the AT-VM95EBK require?

The AT-VM95EBK is a moving magnet cartridge and requires a phono stage with an MM input set to the standard RIAA equalisation curve. Recommended load impedance is 47,000 ohms, which is the default MM setting on virtually all phono stages. Load capacitance should be set between 100 and 200 pF; this includes the capacitance of the tonearm wiring and interconnects, so the phono stage capacitance setting should be adjusted to account for cable capacitance in the signal path.

Is the AT-VM95EBK compatible with my turntable?

The AT-VM95EBK uses standard half-inch mount geometry and is compatible with the headshells of most consumer and audiophile turntables, including models from Pro-Ject, Rega, Technics, Pioneer, Sony, and Audio-Technica. It weighs 6.1 g and has a dynamic compliance of 7 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz, making it well suited to medium-mass tonearms in the 10 to 20 g effective mass range. Threaded inserts in the cartridge body allow mounting with two screws and no nuts, which simplifies installation on most headshells.

Where can I buy the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EBK in Toronto or Canada?

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95EBK is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Audio-Technica dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full VM95 Series cartridge and AT-VMN95 stylus range and can assist with tonearm compatibility, phono stage matching, and setup guidance for your specific turntable.