Audio Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

Description

Audio Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Audio Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge is for customers who want a more premium sound from a moving magnet cartridge.

It sits at the upper end of Audio-Technica’s VM95 range. The Shibata stylus gives it a smooth, detailed, and full-bodied sound. It is especially good for listeners who want more texture, better stereo imaging, and a richer tonal balance.

The Shibata profile has a longer and narrower contact area, it can trace the groove with greater accuracy. As a result, it delivers strong high-frequency detail, lower distortion, and a more refined presentation than entry-level cartridge designs.

Compared with the AT-VM95ML, the SH has a slightly different character. The ML is often chosen for precision and tracking. However, the SH brings a little more warmth, body, and musical flow. Therefore, it can be a great match for systems that need refinement without losing detail.

We also like how practical it is. The cartridge uses the same VM95 body as the rest of the range. So, replacement stylus options are easy to source. You can also swap between compatible VM95 styli later if your system or taste changes.

For customers wanting a serious vinyl upgrade without moving to a low-output moving coil cartridge, the AT-VM95SH is a very strong option.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH?
   The AT-VM95SH is a Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge for turntables. It uses a nude Shibata stylus, which helps improve tracking, detail, and tonal refinement compared with basic cartridge designs.
2. Is the AT-VM95SH better than the AT-VM95ML?
   Both are excellent, but they have different strengths. The AT-VM95ML is often chosen for precision and low inner-groove distortion. However, the AT-VM95SH is often preferred by listeners who want a richer, smoother, and more full-bodied sound.
3. Will the AT-VM95SH fit my turntable?
   It fits many turntables with standard half-inch cartridge mounting. However, it is not suitable for P-mount tonearms. Your tonearm or headshell must allow cartridge alignment and tracking force adjustment.
4. What phono stage do I need for the AT-VM95SH?
   The AT-VM95SH is a moving magnet cartridge with 3.5mV output. Therefore, it works with standard MM phono inputs on integrated amplifiers, AV receivers, and external phono stages.
5. What tracking force should I use?
   Audio-Technica lists a tracking force range of 1.8g to 2.2g. The standard setting is 2.0g. For best results, use a tracking force gauge and align the cartridge carefully.
6. Can I replace or upgrade the stylus later?
   Yes, the VM95 cartridge body is compatible with all AT-VMN95 replacement styli. As a result, you can replace the Shibata stylus when it wears, or change to another VM95 stylus profile if required.
7. How long does a Shibata stylus last?
   Audio-Technica states that a Shibata stylus is typically around 800 hours of playback life. However, record cleanliness, setup accuracy, tracking force, and stylus care all affect real-world lifespan.

 

What the Experts Say

• Audio-Head compared the VM95 EN, ML, and SH cartridges. It positioned the AT-VM95SH as the Shibata option in the range and noted the different character between the advanced stylus profiles.
• Hi-Fi Choice highlighted the VM95 range’s interchangeable stylus system. It also noted that users can move from the entry VM95 body to the Shibata option by changing the stylus.

 

Ideal For

• Upgrading from an entry-level cartridge
• Vinyl listeners wanting rich detail and smooth tone
• Reducing distortion on well-set-up turntables
• Standard half-inch cartridge mounts
• MM phono stages
• Customers wanting a premium VM95 stylus option

 

Key Features

• VM95 Series dual magnet cartridge with 2.7 x 0.26 mil Shibata stylus
• Aluminum cantilever
• Durable low-resonance polymer housing
• Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws – no nuts required
• Compatible with any AT-VMN95 replacement stylus

Nude Shibata Stylus

The AT-VM95SH uses a 2.7 x 0.26 mil nude Shibata stylus. This advanced stylus shape improves groove contact and helps retrieve more musical detail. It also supports extended frequency response up to 25kHz.

Dual Moving Magnet Design

Audio-Technica’s VM design uses dual magnets to mirror the left and right groove walls. As a result, it delivers strong stereo separation, stable imaging, and clear channel definition.

Richer Tonal Balance

The Shibata profile is known for strong midrange and bass character, along with refined high-frequency tracking. Therefore, the AT-VM95SH is a great choice for listeners who want detail without a thin or overly bright sound.

Aluminium Cantilever

The aluminium cantilever provides a good balance of low mass, stiffness, and tracking stability. This helps the cartridge respond accurately to record groove movement.

Threaded Cartridge Body

The cartridge body includes threaded inserts. So, it can be mounted to a headshell with two screws and no tiny nuts. This makes installation cleaner and easier.

VM95 Stylus Compatibility

All VM95 Series cartridges use the same body. Therefore, the AT-VM95SH can accept any compatible AT-VMN95 replacement stylus. This gives you a simple upgrade or replacement path.

Standard Half-Inch Mount

The AT-VM95SH fits standard half-inch mount tonearms and headshells. It is compatible with many Audio-Technica, Technics-style, and other adjustable turntable setups.

 

Suggested System Pairing

• Turntables: Audio-Technica AT-LP7, AT-LP8X, Technics-style turntables, and compatible half-inch mount models
• Phono Stage: Musical Fidelity V90-LPS or similar MM phono stages
• Amplifier: Integrated amplifier with MM phono input
• Speakers: ELAC, Triangle, Paradigm, Revival Audio, or Klipsch Heritage

 

Specifications

Brand: Audio-Technica
Model: AT-VM95SH
Product Type: Dual Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Cartridge Type
Dual Moving Magnet

Stylus
2.7 x 0.26 mil nude Shibata stylus

Stylus Construction
Nude square shank

Cantilever
Aluminium pipe cantilever

Mounting
Standard half-inch mount

Output Voltage
3.5mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec

Frequency Response
20Hz – 25,000Hz

Channel Separation
23dB at 1kHz

Channel Balance
1.5dB at 1kHz

Vertical Tracking Force
1.8g – 2.2g
2.0g standard

Recommended Load Impedance
47,000 ohms

Load Capacitance
100pF – 200pF

Coil Impedance
3.3k ohms at 1kHz

DC Resistance
485 ohms

Coil Inductance
550mH at 1kHz

Vertical Tracking Angle
23 degrees

Replacement Stylus
AT-VMN95SH

Dimensions
17.2mm (H) x 18.9mm (W) x 28.3mm (D)

Weight
6.1g

Included Accessories
Mounting screws
Washers
Non-magnetic screwdriver

Finish
Black cartridge body / Brown stylus assembly

MPN: AT-VM95SH
SKU: AT-VM95SH

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 4961310145989

Colour: Black cartridge body / Brown stylus assembly

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Authorised Audio-Technica dealer
✔ Expert cartridge and turntable matching advice
✔ NZ warranty support
✔ Turntable setup guidance
✔ Trusted NZ hi-fi specialists