AT95E vs Ortofon 2M Red

In this video we will compare the sound produced by Audio Technica's AT95E to Ortofon's 2M Red. Happy listening.

[victorfeliciano]

The AT95E does it"s job beautifully, without being overpriced or overrated.

[vinylman]

A lot of people here are saying the at95e sounds muddy compared to the 2m red. That's only because the 2m red has such a tinny thin sound on it's own so in comparison it makes the at95e sound muddy. I've heard a lot of people on YouTube saying the 2m red is awful and lacks bottom end so if I had to choose between the two I would go with the at95e. For me personally I can't stand a Flat sound. I like a good amount of Bass and Treble.

[Suryabeep]

Wow I didn't really think there'd be much difference but I can tell the difference with my eyes closed! 95e sounds much warmer, almost like the mids are artificially boosted (like piping your turntable through a tubescreamer haha). The 2M Red sounds much clearer and has a fairly natural midrange. I like the 2M Red better, but it really is personal preference I suppose.

[richardhermans]

The AT95e sounds warmer to me, but not dull, where the Ortofon sounds flat. I'm listening wearing my home studio's Sony MDR-7605 headphones through a Focusrite 2i4 audio interface.
Thanks for posting, I just ordered the Fluance RT81 turntable which uses the AT95E cartridge.
My Pioneer direct drive is starting to act up with some records sound like the speed is variable by quite a bit, like the motor is going bad.
I have the Shure 97xe cartridge which is quite nice, but they're discontinued, and you have to take a mortgage out for stylus replacement as they are impossible to find(yes, I know about the substitutes, even they're up to $120.
I love my music on vinyl, but I'm retired on a fixed budget and can't afford to pay that every couple of years for a new stylus.
Thanks for the comparison, I really enjoyed your Rev Vs Blue Ortofon video.

[johnnybgoode]

This really comes down to personal preference. The Red has a clearer top end but maybe a touch shrill, while the AT was warmer and more midrange and upper bass dominant. I would match either to tonal spectrum of the individual stereo system, the Red if more clarity is called for, or the AT if more warmth is needed.

[Truckinthrulife]

I actually just went from the at95e to the 2m red, really brought my speakers to life....think I'll keep em!

[slats]

The Red is not only brighter, the sound spectrum is wider, has more depth. But the AT is no slouch. Great compo!

[kthejynwey]

This is exactly the video I was looking for, thanks a lot! ;-)

[JRob]

The AT95E sound warm in comparison, but make no mistake, it's because the 2M Red is excessively bright. If you want to hear what "warm" really sounds like, check out the M97xe.

The 95E is probably the most neutral cartridge in it's price the most neutral cartridge under $200.

[TheCranberrySource]

The top end is still there in the AT93E, it just has a more pronounced bottom end than the Ortofon

[HeretixAevum]

The Ortofon definitely has a wider image and better clarity, but it just sounds so thin and dry. By the time you're at the price range of the Red, for just a little bit more you can get the Nagaoka MP 110, which has very comparable clarity but with that full, rich body that the AT95e has. It also completely outclasses the red in tracking. Only problem is that it's ugly, but I think that's a small price to pay lol.

[rbriggs]

I’m so glad I can’t hear much quality difference beyond 95e. My ears suck at catching details. Works out better for me because I don’t have to spend so much on equipment 😂

[MultiCowboy]

I have the audio technica at95e and really like it for the price, it's holding it's own here with the 2M Red

[BobSoloMan]

The 95e sounds compressed in higher frequencies. I have both. The red stays on the tonearm.

[jcmolero]

I prefer AT because sounds warmer and more naturally and also handles better the igd. Ortofon being more dynamic but has those mids that sounds harsh to my eardrums and takes over the rest of frequencies and suffers with the igd

[JoelHacker]

I have replaced the 95E with the 2M Red on my AT-LP3 turntable. With the 2M, I get noticably higher output, more punchy bass, and better highs. Actually, I feel the Ortofon has better response across all frequencies. It also skips less at a lower tracking weight. With the 95E, I had to bump the tracking up to 3.0-3.5 grams to keep it from skipping. With the 2M Red, I leave it at about 2g for great tracking. I'm definitely staying with Ortofon, or maybe I'll try Goldring next.

[sidneyalves]

Thank you very much. it's hard for me to find this type of test. success. like. continues.

[deriklarsen]

The 2M Red is definitely more clear in the top-end. The AT95E sounds more open and I prefer it.

[cubdukat]

Glad I saw this. I was going to throw the Music Hall version of the AT95e on my Music Hall turntable because of the AT’s reputation and the fact that my turntable can handle it without a heavier counterweight. But after hearing this, I’ll spring for the heavier weight and get the 2M Red. I never though an AT cartridge would be bested by another for high-end response.

[kaivrock]

The AT was a little woofy in the low to mid midrange. But I have the AT and if anything, it's a little bright on my system