Audio Technica AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

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Decided to resurrect my old Sony PS-X35 turntable and was looking for a reasonably priced cartridge to replace the current AT110E with knackered stylus,just really to check if everything was still functioning. Very pleased with the result and the option to upgrade the stylus is great

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I guess it's one of the best options for the cheap, but quality phono cart on the market. Moreover, it's upgraded and next generation AT95 of Audio Technica series. Do it's job without breaking the bank.

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I wanted to try this cartridge as I have always liked the AT91, I have used the AT95E but I prefer Conical stylus’s.
When I first fitted the VM95C I was very impressed at how easy it is to mount on the headshell, thanks to the threaded inserts in the cartridge the supplied screws I was able to mount the cartridge without fiddling with small nuts it was just a simple screw in.
This made alignment using a protractor very easy as I merely had to tighten the screw I was able to keep the cartridge in position more easily than usual.
I have mounted the cartridge to my Sansui turntable in a magnesium headshell.
I started with the recommended tracking at 2.0gms with anti skate at 2.
The sound was ok but not as clear as my AT91, however That is a played in cartridge so I knew I should give the cartridge time.
After 35 hours of playing the cartridge began to open up it sounded very clear and had a very good sound.
However I like to find the best sound I can and look for a sweet spot, therefore I decided to adjust the tracking and bias to find an optimum, finally after experimentation the cartridge came alive at 1.87 gms and Anti Skate at 1.
My turntable came alive I have a very impressive sound from a budget cartridge, I am 62yrs old I have used vinyl since I was a kid, I have used Nagaoka, Shure Goldring, and AT cartridges for years, but these days I am retired I can’t always buy high end cartridges so wanted to try this new range from AT.
This is one of the best cartridges I have heard and used in this price range, thanks to the style you can upgrade stylus easily throughout the range using the same body, after my initial use I wasn’t overly impressed, the sound was good but nothing special, now after around 50 hours use and a customised dial in on tracking this cartridge is one of the best I have heard in a long while, I have heard instruments on some records I hadn’t heard before, I really am very happy and impressed, I am really enjoying this cartridge, I may only need this one now and stay solvent, apart from stylus replacement or maybe upgrade but I wouldn’t want to change anything at the moment as I am so happy with my sound.