Audio-Technica AT-VM95C/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit Blue

This is a great value for someone who needs an all-in-one solution to mount to a tonearm and start listening to music with no fuss. I bought this for old, beat up records because I read online that the conical would be better for those records than my microlinear stylus (which is much more expensive). After some A/B testing, the conical doesn't seem to be any better. The ML stylus sounded better on every single record I tested, tracked over scratches better, and actually presented less surface noise. I'm not sure what "smoothing" a conical is supposed to do, but I didn't hear it. I even realigned everything and checked the tracking force for the new setup. I didn't even bother with trying to make it through break-in because I doubt it will make a huge difference anyway. If you have a ML stylus and are looking for something to smooth over beat down records, you might be better off just saving your money or investing in better record cleaning tools/products. Otherwise, this is a great value, it sounds great and the headshell is nice quality.

It’s an incredible value. I find older records sound less distorted with this conical stylus than they do with the AT-VM95E elliptical.

Wow! I can't express how happy I am with this set up. I can't believe it sounds as good as it does for the price range. I had purchased an older Technics SL-1900 with what was probably the original headshell and stylus. After dinking around trying to replace the stylus alone, and failing, I decided to buy a new headshell/stylus combo. I am very happy with the results. i tried out the song Djano played by W. Marsalis, and it's my go-to song for my stereo set up. The high notes were brilliant, the midrange clear, and the basses came through un-muddied. I'm so impressed with the quality and clarity of this stylus (it's conical by the way). The packaging was very secure, and it arrived very quickly. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this again.

Sounds great

I used this to replace an old AT 100E. Works perfectly.

Bought this after reading Herb Reichert's about a dozen times, as well as others. Takes me forever to pull the trigger on a purchase - regardless of price. Outshines all my other cartridges: Sumiko Pearl, Black Pearl, and Shure M-97xe. Sounded good right out of the box, but better after a couple of days. I was thinking about buying the other cartridges in the VM95 lineup, but I don't think I will. The conical just sounds too good. Give it a whirl - it costs next to nothing.

It is a beautiful sound that comes from the Audio Cartridge. It is convenient that it is already mounted in the headshell for easy installation on your turntable.

Way better than the only AT that I had - like a new turntable.