Review on Revamp Your Vinyl Experience with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit - Vibrant Green Edition! by Timothy Barnes

This combo set is a real bargain at a good price: Shell quality: I find it to be a decent, perfectly adequate, if not superior shell. It's made in China (it says so on the bottom) but the workmanship is excellent with no obvious flaws. I will say that I did not dare to buy from the photos. It seemed like a bold, flashy design to me, and I didn't like it too much. I'm happy to report that it looks more subtle in person than the pictures would lead you to believe. This is an attractive, well-made bowl that matches the price. No problem. Easy to install: This new range of AT cartridges has made a splash with its easy installation without nuts. I can report that it really is incredibly easy to manipulate and align the cartridge. Kudos to AT for a simple yet hugely effective design tweak that will help all of us with big hands and a little patience. All you need is a flathead screwdriver to adjust the alignment. The shell itself bolts directly to my desk with no problems. Sound: Admittedly, I'm still in the break-in period. It sounds great and delivers far more bass definition and richness than, for example, the LP60 conical stylus. Much better? I do not think so. However, with the LP60 stylus, I always felt that my Edifier 1700BT powered speakers never reached their full potential - they were capable of more. With this pickup I feel like they've pushed their limits - and the pickup could possibly have done more with better speakers. So I'd say the quality here is completely in line with the earlier AT95E and according to some I've read is even better. I've never used the AT95E so I can't attest to it. In short, it sounds great and only gets better when it breaks down. Traceability: I will be brief. Records previously skipped are not skipped here. Is that my new turntable, a new stylus, or both? I don't know, but I no longer have tracking issues. Future: I reviewed many different cartridges and cartridges but decided to bite the bullet and go with this trusted brand despite the lack of reviews for this new generation. One of the biggest advantages for me was the upgrade path - once installed, Audio Technica has 5 spare pins to choose from that can easily be attached directly to the same cartridge body. The $80 spent here to get my Technics working could have brought years of upgrade fun if I choose to do so. But maybe I don't need to update, knock on wood because it sounds damn good. No complaints from this everyman wannabe audiophile reviewer. PS the packaging is great.