Hello Flavio! Why do you suggest the AT-VM95C instead of the VM95ML? I would like to know more. Thanks!
Which of these 2 cartridges would be best suited for my Philips GA-312 tonearm (specs inside)?
- Thread starter Fraga500
- Start date
I have 3D printed an alignment jig for the Philips GA (found the blueprint online). It's my understanding that when the turntable was originally sold it came with this jig. Unfortunately, I believe the Philips GA-312 does not allow VTA adjustments (as in, changing the height of the tonearm). Will precise-adjustment with the jig suffice in this case, or would it be kind of risky (risky meaning that I would not be able to set it up properly)?
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One other thing that I forgot to add (that by reading your replies I think it is important to say): the specs of my receiver. It is a Gradiente Model 80. Will the impedance (or other setting) on this thing possibly affect the sound if I go with a microline stylus such as the VM95ML or VM540ML? Thank you so much everyone, I am learning a lot 
flavio81
Turntable technician
The C is cheap and sounds just fine, and I'm afraid the tonearm on the Philips won't really extract the best potential of the ML stylus. However if you want to spend more money go for the ML.
I have tried and compared the VM95ML and the VM95C on the same tonearm ( a rega RB330), the ML is better but the better value is on the C (conical) stylus, given the price difference.
flavio81
Turntable technician
One other thing that I forgot to add (that by reading your replies I think it is important to say): the specs of my receiver. It is a Gradiente Model 80. Will the impedance (or other setting) on this thing possibly affect the sound if I go with a microline stylus such as the VM95ML or VM540ML? Thank you so much everyone, I am learning a lot
No, it's a normal, common amplifier.
Ilikevinyl
Cool Breeze
It's amazing what those 3D printers can do!
My brother in law has one and he makes stuff for my sister all the time. 
Hello everyone! Sorry for ressurrecting this thread, but I just wanted to provide some closure
From the 2 cartridges that I was looking at, I ended up going with the relatively cheaper AT-VM95ML, not only because of the price but because of the fact that it seemed to be easier to set up. By having the Philips GA alignment jig 3D printed, it was actually pretty easy to have it aligned, and I couldn't be happier with the sound it is giving me. It was like hearing some of the albums for the first time, especially since I was used to an Ortofon 2m Red.
If you are a person who has a Philips GA turntable and has come across this topic when looking for the AT-VM95ML as a viable option for your table, I strongly recommend purchasing it. I believe the VM540ML could sound even better but what made me hesitate on purchasing it was the fact that it seemed to be a harder cartridge to set up, especially since my GA-312 does not have any VTA adjustment. So yes, the AT-VM95ML is definitely worth it! And thank you everyone for the inputs and help!
From the 2 cartridges that I was looking at, I ended up going with the relatively cheaper AT-VM95ML, not only because of the price but because of the fact that it seemed to be easier to set up. By having the Philips GA alignment jig 3D printed, it was actually pretty easy to have it aligned, and I couldn't be happier with the sound it is giving me. It was like hearing some of the albums for the first time, especially since I was used to an Ortofon 2m Red.
If you are a person who has a Philips GA turntable and has come across this topic when looking for the AT-VM95ML as a viable option for your table, I strongly recommend purchasing it. I believe the VM540ML could sound even better but what made me hesitate on purchasing it was the fact that it seemed to be a harder cartridge to set up, especially since my GA-312 does not have any VTA adjustment. So yes, the AT-VM95ML is definitely worth it! And thank you everyone for the inputs and help!
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
Always good to have someone drop back into a thread and provide closure. Easy to direct folks to the question they have that is answered in the forums.
The use of shims with the alignment gauge is the VTA adjustment on these turntables. So you do have it, just not a knob on the tonearm to move it up and down.
Thanks for updating with your findings! I have an Ortofon Super OM 20 on my 312 but I’ve been considering trying an Audio Technica next since I like my VM540ML on my Technics 1210GR so much. The VM95ML does seem like it would make more sense for the 312 from a cost perspective.Hello everyone! Sorry for ressurrecting this thread, but I just wanted to provide some closure
From the 2 cartridges that I was looking at, I ended up going with the relatively cheaper AT-VM95ML, not only because of the price but because of the fact that it seemed to be easier to set up. By having the Philips GA alignment jig 3D printed, it was actually pretty easy to have it aligned, and I couldn't be happier with the sound it is giving me. It was like hearing some of the albums for the first time, especially since I was used to an Ortofon 2m Red.
If you are a person who has a Philips GA turntable and has come across this topic when looking for the AT-VM95ML as a viable option for your table, I strongly recommend purchasing it. I believe the VM540ML could sound even better but what made me hesitate on purchasing it was the fact that it seemed to be a harder cartridge to set up, especially since my GA-312 does not have any VTA adjustment. So yes, the AT-VM95ML is definitely worth it! And thank you everyone for the inputs and help!
By the way, I’m not sure if they are still available, but I’ve bought a jig (a repro), a spare power switch and additional cartridge sleds from Pat’s Audio on eBay in the last few years. They were all high quality.
flavio81
Turntable technician
If you like the VM540ML a lot, and can't afford another one, i would suggest the AT-VM530EN or AT-VM520EB or even(yes!) AT-VM510CB. Sound is more similar to the 540ML than to the 95ML. How do i know this? I have both the VM95ML, 540ML, and also the 510CB. And nowadays I think i prefer the 510CB, with conical stylus, than the VM95ML.
The cantilevers and body generators on the VM-5xx line are different than the VM95 line, and this is a big part of the sound.