Is it worth upgrading my AT-VMN95E cartridge… and what are my options ?

[Judgey71]

I recently purchased an Audio Technica LPW40WN and it came with a VMN95E stylus cartridge.

I’m using the turntable straight out of the box, paired with a set of Klipsch The Fives.

Is it worth spending extra coin on a stylus upgrade or should I throw the money at something like a pre-amp.

Happy with the sound I’m getting but wonder if I can get more out of what I’ve got with a simple upgrade or add-on.

 

 

[aussievintage]

6 minutes ago, Judgey71 said:

I recently purchased an Audio Technica LPW40WN and it came with a VMN95E stylus cartridge.

I’m using the turntable straight out of the box, paired with a set of Klipsch The Fives.

Is it worth spending extra coin on a stylus upgrade or should I throw the money at something like a pre-amp.

Happy with the sound I’m getting but wonder if I can get more out of what I’ve got with a simple upgrade or add-on.

 

 

 

 

I think that cartridge is fine.  You could get a better stylus for it, yes.  The ML version is the best and is great value

[Batty]

Some good advice there

[mloutfie]

I would start on a phono preamp. A phono preamp inside a powered speaker won't be great

Edited December 30, 2024 by mloutfie

[mkaramazov]

On 29/12/2024 at 4:58 PM, aussievintage said:

 

 

I think that cartridge is fine.  You could get a better stylus for it, yes.  The ML version is the best and is great value

 

+1 to this advice. You will instantly hear the results if you move to the ML stylus. Plus it has a longer service life than the eliptical stylus you are currently using. 

Edited December 31, 2024 by mkaramazov

[Robertoh]

On 01/01/2025 at 8:13 AM, mkaramazov said:

 

+1 to this advice. You will instantly hear the results if you move to the ML stylus. Plus it has a longer service life than the eliptical stylus you are currently using. 

+1 for the ML stylus on the VM95 cartridge. An easy plug-in upgrade and I like mine a lot.