Audio-technica at-vm95sh vs at-vm95ml: the ultimate cartridge showdown!
What To Know
- Both the AT-VM95SH and the AT-VM95ML have excellent tracking ability, but the Shibata stylus of the AT-VM95SH gives it a slight advantage in this area.
- However, the AT-VM95ML offers excellent value for money, and it is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality cartridge at a more affordable price.
- The AT-VM95SH is the better choice for those who demand the highest level of detail and frequency response, while the AT-VM95ML is a great option for those who are looking for a cartridge with exceptional midrange clarity and vocal presence.
The world of audiophile turntables is vast and ever-evolving, with a myriad of cartridges to choose from. Two of the most popular and highly regarded options are the Audio Technica AT-VM95SH and the AT-VM95ML. Both cartridges offer exceptional sound quality, but they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different listening preferences and setups. In this in-depth comparison, we will explore the key differences between the AT-VM95SH and the AT-VM95ML, helping you make an informed decision about which cartridge is right for your system.
Cartridge Design
The AT-VM95SH features a Shibata stylus, which is a highly precise and sophisticated design. The Shibata stylus has a wide and flat contact surface, which allows it to track the grooves of a record with great accuracy and detail. This results in a sound that is clear, well-defined, and free from distortion.
The AT-VM95ML, on the other hand, employs a MicroLine stylus. The MicroLine stylus is also a high-precision design, but it has a narrower and more elliptical contact surface than the Shibata stylus. This gives the AT-VM95ML a slightly different sound profile, which is characterized by its exceptional midrange clarity and vocal presence.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a cartridge refers to the range of frequencies that it can reproduce. The AT-VM95SH has a wider frequency response than the AT-VM95ML, extending from 20Hz to 27,000Hz. This wider frequency response allows the AT-VM95SH to capture a greater range of musical information, resulting in a more complete and immersive listening experience.
The AT-VM95ML has a slightly narrower frequency response, ranging from 20Hz to 24,000Hz. However, the MicroLine stylus design gives the AT-VM95ML an edge in the midrange frequencies, which are crucial for vocals and many musical instruments.
Tracking Ability
The tracking ability of a cartridge refers to its ability to follow the grooves of a record without skipping or mistracking. Both the AT-VM95SH and the AT-VM95ML have excellent tracking ability, but the Shibata stylus of the AT-VM95SH gives it a slight advantage in this area. The wider contact surface of the Shibata stylus allows it to track even the most challenging passages with ease, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted listening experience.
Compliance
The compliance of a cartridge refers to its ability to resonate with the tonearm. The AT-VM95SH has a higher compliance than the AT-VM95ML, which means that it is better suited for low-mass tonearms. The lower compliance of the AT-VM95ML makes it a good choice for medium-mass tonearms.
Output Voltage
The output voltage of a cartridge refers to the amount of electrical signal that it produces. The AT-VM95SH has a higher output voltage than the AT-VM95ML, which means that it will produce a louder sound. However, it is important to note that the output voltage of a cartridge is not necessarily indicative of its sound quality.
Price
The AT-VM95SH is typically more expensive than the AT-VM95ML. This is due to the more complex and sophisticated design of the Shibata stylus. However, the AT-VM95ML offers excellent value for money, and it is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality cartridge at a more affordable price.
Which Cartridge is Right for You?
The choice between the Audio Technica AT-VM95SH and the AT-VM95ML ultimately depends on your personal listening preferences and the specific components of your turntable setup. If you are looking for a cartridge that offers exceptional detail, clarity, and frequency response, then the AT-VM95SH is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a cartridge that excels in midrange clarity and vocal presence, then the AT-VM95ML is a great option.
In a nutshell
Both the Audio Technica AT-VM95SH and the AT-VM95ML are outstanding cartridges that offer exceptional sound quality. The AT-VM95SH is the better choice for those who demand the highest level of detail and frequency response, while the AT-VM95ML is a great option for those who are looking for a cartridge with exceptional midrange clarity and vocal presence. Ultimately, the best way to decide which cartridge is right for you is to audition both options and see which one best suits your listening preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. What is the difference between a Shibata stylus and a MicroLine stylus?
A Shibata stylus has a wide and flat contact surface, while a MicroLine stylus has a narrower and more elliptical contact surface. This difference in design gives the Shibata stylus a wider frequency response and better tracking ability, while the MicroLine stylus offers exceptional midrange clarity and vocal presence.
2. Which cartridge is better for low-mass tonearms?
The AT-VM95SH has a higher compliance than the AT-VM95ML, which makes it better suited for low-mass tonearms.
3. Which cartridge has a higher output voltage?
The AT-VM95SH has a higher output voltage than the AT-VM95ML. However, it is important to note that the output voltage of a cartridge is not necessarily indicative of its sound quality.