Audio-Technica AT95E

A discontinued moving magnet phono cartridge with an elliptical stylus, known as a well-regarded budget option for analog playback.

Overview

The Audio-Technica AT95E is a moving magnet phono cartridge made by Audio-Technica. It has a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus and is known in enthusiast circles as a budget-friendly way to play vinyl. It has been discontinued. People still mention its even tonal balance and smooth treble for the price. It has appeared in Stereophile's Recommended Components list and is described as working naturally with certain turntable setups, including the Linn Axis with Akito II tonearm.

Specifications

Stylus shape

0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical

Product Family

The AT95E shares its stylus design with other cartridges in the Audio-Technica lineup and serves as an upgrade option for an unspecified model. The Audio-Technica AT-VM 95C succeeds it in reputation and performance, and is described as the better-sounding alternative. A "Special Edition Black" version of the AT95E was also released.

Reception & Use

The AT95E has an even tonal balance with smooth treble, though one reviewer noted a slight lack of color. The vinyl community regards it as a well-respected budget cartridge. Users have pointed to its compatibility with mid-tier turntable systems, and they particularly praise its performance on the Linn Axis with Akito II arm.

Market

The AT95E was available for around $40 shipped from Amazon.com circa 2010-2018 and was categorized as a sub-$100 cartridge by 2018. The "Special Edition Black" variant adds collectible appeal. No specific failure patterns or maintenance details are documented.