Replacing AT-140LC with AT-VM95LC - what to expect?

[jd-audio]

EDIT TITLE (moderator?):
Replacing AT-140LC with AT-VM95ML - what to expect?


I have an AT-140LC cart in daily service and I like its sound very much.

As an original new stylus is quite expensive and not widely available anymore, I wonder how the AT-VM95ML (nude micro line) will compare to my AT-140LC (nude line contact) cart sound wise?

Does any of you have experience with both and/or can comment on this?

PS
Advise on changing to other carts are not needed as I have several other carts available, but am curious if the AT-VM95ML would/could be a drop-in replacement (sound wise).

Have fun
-John-

 

[patient_ot]

What turntable is this going on? What is the effective mass of the arm?

The VM95 series isn't a replacement for your old AT cart. Your old AT cart uses a 4 coil generator design whereas the VM95 series uses a 2 coil generator design and will have a much stiffer suspension.

If your old AT140 looks like I think it does, you can buy a new VMN40ML stylus and put that on it. That will be closer, though not exactly like the original stylus your cart came with. You will need to set your VTF to 2g for the new stylus.

 

[jd-audio]

..The VM95 series isn't a replacement for your old AT cart. Your old AT cart uses a 4 coil generator design whereas the VM95 series uses a 2 coil generator design and will have a much stiffer suspension..

Thank you @patient_ot, this is usefull information. I think I will stick to my AT-140

Have fun
-John-

 

[stratokaster]

You can also use replacement styli for the AT440 on your 140LC. In fact, the 140 and 440 share the same body. The ATN440MLb stylus is still available. It's much more compliant than the VMN40ML which may or may not produce better results in combination with your tonearm.

 

[jd-audio]

which may or may not produce better results in combination with your tonearm

Thank you for pointing out the ATN440MLb stylus.

The TT is a Sansui SR-525 DD with it's standard tonearm.
I do not know the effective mass of the arm, but do know my AT-140LC sounds very nice on it.

Have fun
-John-

 

[Blue Shadow]

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[patient_ot]

You can also use replacement styli for the AT440 on your 140LC. In fact, the 140 and 440 share the same body. The ATN440MLb stylus is still available. It's much more compliant than the VMN40ML which may or may not produce better results in combination with your tonearm.

The difference in compliance between an Mlb and a 40ML is basically marginal. All those 440 styli were discontinued years ago and I'd be leery of buying anything that wasn't fresh stock. When the 440s were discontinued I happily moved over to new AT styli and carts without issue.

 

[ripblade]

The 140 will have better stereo separation leading to a wider stage. Treble extension will be improved as well, regardless of the stylus type.

 

[mcgjohn]

If your budget will allow, I would opt for a VM540ML.