Audio-Technica AT-VM95EBK – Proven VM95E sound, all-black finish

A dual moving magnet cartridge with a bonded elliptical stylus, it tracks accurately, separates channels cleanly, and gives vinyl listeners a confident step up from entry-level fare.

Key Features

• Dual Moving Magnet design: Vertical magnets mirror the 90° cutter head for clean channel separation.
• Bonded elliptical stylus: 0.3 × 0.7 mil tip on an aluminium-pipe cantilever for detailed tracking.
• All-black low-resonance housing: Same proven VM95 body, refined finish, suited to modern decks.
• Threaded mounting inserts: Installs with just two screws — no nuts to drop into the headshell.
• Upgrade-ready stylus path: Swap in any AT-VMN95 stylus, from conical to Shibata, without changing the body.
• Standard 1/2-inch mount: Drops into virtually any compatible turntable or headshell.

Customer Benefits

If you are stepping up from a stock entry-level cartridge, the AT-VM95EBK is a noticeable lift: tighter imaging, more detail in vocals and acoustic instruments, and less surface noise riding under quiet passages. The black housing keeps the look clean on modern turntables, while the shared stylus path means you can refine the sound later — same body, swap to a Microlinear or Shibata when your ears (and your records) ask for it.

Quick Specs

• Type: Dual Moving Magnet (MM)
• Stylus: 0.3 × 0.7 mil bonded elliptical
• Output voltage: 4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Frequency response: 20 – 22,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 20 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g (2.0 g standard)
• Recommended load: 47 kΩ / 100 – 200 pF
• Weight: 6.1 g

What’s in the Box

• AT-VM95EBK cartridge body with pre-mounted AT-VMN95EBK elliptical stylus
• 2 × 11 mm M2.6 mounting screws
• 2 × 8 mm M2.6 mounting screws
• 2 × washers
• Stylus protector
• Product documentation

Use Cases / Ideal For

Upgrading a stock entry-level cartridge, building a clean all-black turntable look, and starting a stylus path you can refine later.

Compatibility

Fits any standard 1/2-inch mount, including Audio-Technica AT-LP120X, AT-LP140XP, AT-LP5X, AT-LP1240, AT-LP7, AT-LP8X, AT-LPW30/40/50, and AT-LP3XBT. Replacement stylus: AT-VMN95EBK.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Proven VM95E sound in a discreet all-black finish
• Threaded inserts make installation genuinely simple
• Compatible with the full AT-VMN95 stylus family for easy upgrades

⚠️ Cons:

• Bonded elliptical stylus — the nude elliptical and Shibata upgrades pull more detail
• MM output needs a phono stage or phono-equipped amp

A safe, well-judged upgrade for any standard-mount turntable, and a clean visual match for modern black decks.