AT-VM95E vs. AT-VM95ML Stylus Comparison

HEADPHONES RECOMMENDED!

Here is a comparison of the two most popular styli from the Audio Technica VM95 line. I couldn't find any direct comparisons of these two styli while looking to make a purchase choice for myself, so I got both and made this video for others. The VM95E you see here is the black variant, but the green one is the exact same stylus. Only a visual difference between the two. I for one like both styli equally for different things. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Song is Rosanna by TOTO

Turntable: 1981 Sony PS-X55S
Preamp: Pro-Ject Phono Box (TMR Edition)

[Dalgren]

Keep in mind that the ML needle is good for 1000 hours, so the price ends up being cheaper than the E needle which has an elliptical stylus that will only be within specs for 300 hours. So the ML needle will last 3 times as long plus has better sound quality. With all this in mind, the ML is the clear choice. Excellent listening test, thank you!

[justinsugay]

Wow, the work you must have put into making this. Thank you! Very helpful

[VINZBROWN]

Dope, Dope ... and
Holy SH**!!!! the song, the sound quality of this VIDEO!
And was in my SEAT!!!

[Malwens]

This is a banger video. Either stylus is rocking it. The ML is better but they are both super enjoyable and very exciting to listen to! Thanks for sharing.

[edwardheynes]

I just upgraded from the "e" to the "ML" and the difference is significant. High frequencies airy and bass punchy and no IGD! Plus 1000hrs predicted stylus life? No brainer, since the cost-per-hour equals out. Buy it!

[GlenRickerd]

I listened with my AKG K240 MKII headphones.
For the second half, I closed my eyes and tried to detect the shifts.
Caught them every time.
I like it.

I would not call it an annoying sibilance; to my admittedly old ears, it sounded like a big improvement in high frequency definition and accuracy.

Is it worth an extra Benjamin for the ML stylus?
Having heard it, I think maybe.

Bravo on a very well produced and useful comparison!

[shortakesk]

Great Job! Clearly shows a very very subtle difference.

[pietermol]

thanks for making the source files available, when loaded into Audacity the differences are much clearer than when listening through YouTube. The ML is clearly better when using headphones, the E is bit more spatial diffused (e.g. vocals have a better defined position in space on the ML) and therefore better detail. I can imagine this better accuracy of the ML also being a bit more boring in some circumstances, music that has been recorded with the ambiance sucked out of it might actually benefit from the E version.

For everyday casual listening over speakers I think the +100 euros price point of the ML isn't worth it. All 'n' all the e is very close to the ML, even the sibilance isn't dramatically different.

If I may make a suggestion for future videos: record at a higher sampling frequency (e.g. 88kHz), this will benefit transient response on playback.

[Duggar]

I’ve listened to a number of different YouTube videos on cartridge comparisons and can not tell anything different. YouTube compression is so bad it veils the true sound. I have the VM95ML and all I can say is it sounds amazing. Technics sl1300 mk2 new caps and fixed the lift.

[peterwikvist]

Better bottom end and warmer sound with the VM95ML. Thank you for sharing.

[JB]

To me the stock VM95E sounds just as good as the VM95ML. There are subtle differences but pretty minor and both have their good points.
I personally would not pay $150-$200 for the ML as a upgrade over the stock E cartridge.

[swingmanic]

I just changed from an Ortofon 2M Red to the AT-VM95ML on my Denon DP45F turntable, tracking at 1.5 grams and I love it! It suits my taste in jazz from the vibes of the MJQ, the piano of Bill Evans or the tenor saxophone of Michael Brecker.
Overall it's a good performer for the price IMHO

[AeroModule]

Very helpful, thank you. Even soloing the two on Audacity, I can't hear a significant enough difference to justify $170+tax for the ML. I'd rather buy records with that money. My AT100E does fine and tracks lighter anyway.

[koozmusic]

Excellent comparison, excellent song! I could clearly hear less essing/sibilance from the red stylus, along with what seemed to be a more centered balance (which I definitely did not expect). The black stylus seems ever so slightly biased towards the left channel in comparison. 🤔 When it's time to replace my E, I'll be forking over the extra cash for the ML!

[savanaviolenta]

V95ML has more treble and presence it's more upfront. I'm gonna get this cartridge as a spare one along with LP5X turntable and after the stock one VM95E wears out will replace it with the ML.

[MrAndreferrari]

My goal is to buy the ML version, unfortunately, in my country the ML is too expensive.
I'm listening on my 12 years tv I use as monitor to my computer and I can notice the difference, mostly in the bass. The ML makes is less "busy" or fuzzy.

[LuisRodriguez-ypih]

Almost same highs but the ML have more body in the low frequencies making my choice

[seanprendergast]

Love this side by side sound comparison. Not much difference but the 95ML has the longevity.

[pifpoche]

Merci, très bonne initiative !!! La cellule « ML » semble apporte un supplément de clarté, une excellente cellule dans les deux cas

[kas]

Harder to notice the difference during the instrumental sections of the song. But you can definitely hear the difference in the vocal sections. To my ears, I can hear the high-end details in the vocals with the ML. Has an airy and spacious feel as it brings out the subtle high frequencies in the vocals. In this sample, I do prefer the ML.