I picked up a used AT LP120. It had the original AT95E. I have heard it is not a great cartridge, so I wanted to change it. I happened to have an old pioneer in parts that had a Stanton 500 cartridge. I picked up a new elliptical stylus for it and tried it against the AT95E. It was a definite improvement. I figured that if the Stanton was an improvement, then the new VM540ML will surely be worth dropping the money on it. Well, I picked it up today and a/b'd it against the Stanton. I may be nuts, but I think I may like the Stanton better. The Stanton has a higher output (6 vs 4), so I don't know if that is creating a false sense of sonic difference. I also have heard that new cartridges and stylus have a "break in" period. Is this true? Maybe I need to give it time? I'm kinda new to all this, so any advice is appreciated.
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cafe latte
Addicted Member
The AT95e is not a bad cart at all and there are better stylus available for it which will take it to another level. No point spending on a cart as arm and turntable and rest of system have a lot to do with how the cart sounds. I have really a lot of carts with a lot of decent MC's and loads of MI and MM too. I recently fitted a AT95e for an experiment to my SP10mk2 with its Eminent Technology air arm. Sound was amazing way way what I expected for a humble AT95e. This proved to me that the turntable and arm is way more important than people realise. I would not spend a cent more on a cart for an lp120.
Chris
Joel66
Super Member
Yes, there is a break in period with a new stylus.
Dot Heton
Active Member
The different makes each have a signature sound. It’s subtle but when you hear it, it’s usually because you don’t like what you’re hearing.
AT is kinda bright, Shure has an exaggerated sound, hard to describe it. Others are whatever they are. Shrug. When you find the brand that works for you and your gear you will swear that they are better than the rest. But if I have efficient speakers I’ll want something relaxed. If I have dull tweeters I may want something bright. And then there’s how good your hearing is. And on and on. I’m realizing that I can’t tell above a certain level even though I want to keep climbing the ladder.
AT is kinda bright, Shure has an exaggerated sound, hard to describe it. Others are whatever they are. Shrug. When you find the brand that works for you and your gear you will swear that they are better than the rest. But if I have efficient speakers I’ll want something relaxed. If I have dull tweeters I may want something bright. And then there’s how good your hearing is. And on and on. I’m realizing that I can’t tell above a certain level even though I want to keep climbing the ladder.
All else being equal, people tend to prefer a louder system, so do your best to level match the two carts. Also, give yourself some time (days...a week or two) to make comparisons. Some of the important differences can be subtle and take time to fully notice.
On paper the 540ML has better specs than the Stanton, but so what? We like what we like. If the Stanton sounds better to you, go with that.
Tiver
Enjoy the music
What Chris has said can be expanded upon in so many areas. The VM540ML should be a fine performer, but there a lot of variables that can alter the sound. Synergy is best understood as having parts of the whole working in a way that has each component building upon and complementing the strengths of the other components..........or possibly filling in for or making up for a deficiency.
It would be great if it was always - PLUG - PLAY - AWESOME!! but sometimes it's just not that way.
As far as a "break in" period, that seems to be something to do with a cartridge's suspension settling in. Giving it 10-30 hours or so might make a difference.
It would be great if it was always - PLUG - PLAY - AWESOME!! but sometimes it's just not that way.
As far as a "break in" period, that seems to be something to do with a cartridge's suspension settling in. Giving it 10-30 hours or so might make a difference.
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
You need to use the AT for a while and then switch for a week. You may prefer the sonics of the Stanton over the AT but when on the table for a week
Or two the volume difference won't be part of the eval. Let the AT break in some, too.
Or two the volume difference won't be part of the eval. Let the AT break in some, too.
cafe latte
Addicted Member
AT need time to settle down. LP gear sells a special elliptical with a carbon fiber cantilever for the AT95e which sounds amazing for 50 bucks. Above that I would be looking at a new turntable, and honestly in a week or two the AT95e may sound great.
Chris
Chris