Much clearer sound!
Tom from Anderson, SC on 5/18/2023
Still breaking in but much more depth of sound over the basic cartridge that came with the turntable.
Pros: clearer sound, great value for the cost.Deeper in the groove but not too deep to pick up extra noise.
Cons: None found yet
0 of 0 found this helpful
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H
Michael from Palatine, IL on 12/27/2022
On my system it was a little bright and and lacking some bottom end versus the Audio-Technica VM540ML. System; Technics SL1210GR; Elac PPA2 phone pre; Bowers and Wilkins CM10 speakers.
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0 of 0 found this helpful
Inappropriate for legacy AR XB turntables
Ronald from Los Angeles, CA on 11/6/2022
This cartridge will not attach to my AR XB Turntable tone arm. The cartridge does not have the two ridges on the attachment arm such that the AR XB turntable tone arm can screw it in. Your ad did not specify what types of turntables the device will work on.
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2 of 3 found this helpful
Thanks Crutchfield & Willie
Robert from Live Oak, CA on 9/4/2022
The stylus was so easy to change and after it was installed I heard a big difference in the sound!
Pros: easy install good sound
Cons:
0 of 0 found this helpful
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H
Corey from Marathon, NY on 3/19/2022
Unbelievable sound quality.. so happy with this purchase, and all purchases I've made Crutchfield. Thank You.
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0 of 0 found this helpful
"Universal" headshell?
robert from Gloucester, MA on 2/20/2022
Either I'm missing something dumb, or "universal" headshell has to be assuming an S-shaped tone arm. My TEAC TN-300 has a straight arm and the headshell itself is angled. The headshells are not interchangeable. So, fine, I switched the cartridge into the original headshell and everything worked fine. But I was out the admittedly negligible cost of the headshell. Otherwise the sound is great, nice and crisp.
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2 of 2 found this helpful
Best cartridge and stylus for the money
Lester from Somers, CT on 1/13/2022
0 of 0 found this helpful
Shibata Shines
Kenneth from Lexington, KY on 1/13/2022
I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, but I do enjoy listening to records. I probably listen to my turntable a couple hours a day and a few more than that on the weekend. My set up is a Music Hall Classic, Marantz NR1200, 20 year old Polk bookshelf speakers and upgraded speaker/RCA cords. I've been using the Music Hall Spirit stylus that came with the turntable for the last year. I upgraded to the AT-VM95SH two weeks ago, after some fantastic advice from Eric at Crutchfield (thanks again!). After two weeks, 30 plus hours of listening- I'm impressed! I had a rough start, but after I went back to the Music Hall headshell and recalibrated everything, it really improved the sound. I don't why the AT headshell didn't work for me, maybe because the AT is straight and the Music Hall has a slight bend? It just didn't sound right, I'm not sure why. But the Shibata stylus fit perfectly in the Music Hall headshell and my review is based on that set up. I'll say it is brighter and richer in sound on newer 180 gram vinyl and picks ups details I hadn't notice before in older records.
Pros: Big improvement over entry level stylus.
Cons: Headshell didn't work for my set up.
0 of 0 found this helpful
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H
Crutchfield customer from Maple Shade, NJ on 8/25/2021
First impression was disappointing, but that's because I didn't bother to align the cartridge, just popped it right on the tone arm for instant gratification. Alas, it sounded subdued, fuzzy, and distant, with no punch at all. So I printed out an online alignment protractor, and made the necessary adjustment, sliding the cartridge forward slightly in the head shell. What a difference a quarter of an inch makes! Now reasonably well-aligned, this baby sings sweetly. The sound is smooth across the entire sonic spectrum, with tight bass, crisp mids, and no upper range coloration or distortion. Background noise is virtually nonexistent on well-maintained vinyl. Best of all, there's absolutely no sibilance or inner groove distortion. I can't imagine a better cartridge at this price.
Pros: Smooth, clear, and precise sonic presentation, and no sibilance or IGD
Cons: None--just align it carefully
3 of 3 found this helpful