Have I done AT some injustice?

[RoA]

I previously mentioned here that I was not impressed with the VM95ML. I wasn't. So much so that I returned it and sticked with the Conical (which is one hell of a music maker). Anyway, I was considering moving further up the AT range, VM745xML or Ortofon Bronze.

Then I had good think that I only use the deck for perhaps 5% of my listening. Do I really want to spend anymore? I am very happy with the Conical but there is so much praise for the 95ML. Did I have a Lemon?

Ordered a new one which now has had only a couple of hours use but I have to say I do not remember the previous one sounding so nicely open, detailed and with PRAT. I made no other adjustments between then and now other than checking tracking force. I guess its possible the diamond was not entirely the same alignment.

It sounds different from the Conical which is what I wanted. Why keep two that sound almost exactly the same. Happy with both and both will get air time.

Yes, there is better but I can't really justify it for my use or the deck I have.

 

[nopiano]

A couple of years ago I bought my Technics turntable and a 95ML at the same time. As a precaution, and to get a spare headshell, I bought a complete 95C with a headshell a few months later, direct from AT when they had a sale.

In the event I’ve never used the 95C but whenever I use the 95ML I’m amazed how good it sounds. Quiet, detailed, clear and tracks anything. I’m sure there is better out there but it does everything I need given I also play relatively few LPs these days.

Glad you rediscovered it!

 

[Entrigo]

I guess it's a lot down to personal taste but I, like nopiano, I was really pleasantly surprised by the ML when I first upgraded. I also had the 540ML which while very god, was perhaps a bit "lean", while the 95ML keeps a bit of that warmth and body that conicals have. In general, I am a big fan of Audio Technica (I now have an AT33PTGii and an AT33MONO) - they are also excellent value for money. My At33PTGii is pretty much on par with the twice as expensive Dynavector XX2!