Audio-TechnicaAT-VM95SH/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

A couple of years ago I wrote a positive review of the Akai Pro turntable but noted at the time that the limitation was the budget-end cartridge and stylus. So during lockdown I decided to upgrade with this Audio Technical cartridge and stylus. Never looked back. I play a range of different albums - rock, classical, folk, jazz etc and all have superior sonics, stereo separation etc and I am delighted with my purchase. However a word of caution. The head shell on my original is at an angle to the tone arm. The replacement is a straight headshell so I had to transfer the cartridge to my old headshell. Doable but a bit fiddly. Now the limiting factor on my system is the speakers (Bose) and may upgrade to the new Kef bookshelfs.But I am delighted so 5 stars.

I was a little hesitant initially as I'd previously had a AT95 bonded elliptical vack when that's all you could get on this body and while happy with that I'd moved on to the Nagaoka MP110 which is a good cartridge. I wondered just how could it be any good and was it all just the usual HiFi enthusiast hype? Well I'm glad to say it very much lives up to the reputation it's built since being introduced in 2018. A definite step up in sound quality on the MP110 and it won't be coming off my tonearm anytime soon! Service from Thakker was also spot on. Very Happy.

Love it!!Took 30 seconds to install. The result over the OEM is a major upgrade. You can really hear a powerful bass and a better tone separation. This is not even burned in yet!Expensive, but I found that this is well worth the upgrade. Just be careful when handling.

Early days yet, but 1st Impressions are favourable, thought I would try a change from my regular 1042 ,does not seem too much difference averall, have a little more 'toppy' but not overwhelming, see has it beds down with use?

I was actually really surprised with the quality of this cart. Details are clear and balanced with nice bass and midtones. It also tracks incredible with no distortion detectable. I've used the goldring 1042 and ortofon blue cartridge in the past with the goldring having been double this price point and have this holds its own against them.