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!

 

[Paul AJ]

Glad you are getting on well with the 95ML because that is what I'm using at the moment because when I lost my Vital Styli on my Linn K9 cartridge I was lost on what to go for & it came up that Audio Technica made the AT 95 Styli to use on the Linn Headshell & also that the AT95 range of Styli all fit onto the Linn K9 Cartridge which is brilliant because with the Linn K9 Cartridge not wearing out like the Vital styli which Linn discontinude I have now got the full range of AT95 Styli to fit on my Linn K9 Cartridge. But I have also gone to the LInn Adikt Cartridge & Gyser 11 Styli set up on an identical Headshell at the same weight/bias & that is something I would say when you can afford it go for it.