Review on Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML Microlinear Stylus Red - Enhanced Replacement for Turntables by Amrozi Papi

I bought this stylus to replace the standard AT-VMN95E stylus on my AT-LP120XUSB player. I didn't need a new stylus, but I've read it was a worthy upgrade. I wasn't sure about the $150 price tag, but since it's supposed to last about three times longer than a standard elliptical stylus, it had some value as I plan to use this turntable for many years to come. If you listen to the new recordings, you won't notice much of a difference, if at all. This is one of those problems with YMMV - I have a decent system but nothing to write about. I'm using the LP-120Xusb built-in phono stage in an Onkyo TX-NR555 A/V receiver feeding a pair of Boston Acoustics VR965 speakers. All of this sounds 50 years old to my ears, so it's likely I still haven't been able to hear the increased frequency response compared to the VMN95E. However, I have noticed an improvement with used records. I have a UB40 Labor of Love record from the 80's that I bought at a used record store. It looked clean, but when played back on the VMN95E it sounded pretty sizzling. I'm sure they cleaned it up, but there was definitely dirt still in the groove. When I tried this with the VMN95ML not only did it sound better on the first play, but the record got 'dirtier' after play as the stylus picked up all the loose dirt left by cleaning the groove. After two more plays (and cleaning the needle accordingly) the record sounded almost perfect. However, this needle is not for everyone. If you play a lot of vinyl and need to replace the VMN95E or VMN95C, this is definitely worth considering. Although it costs more, it lasts longer, so things even out over the years. If you've got an amp and high-end speakers, it might be worth upgrading to get every last drop of sound out of your turntable.