System too poor for stylus upgrade

[macp]

Evening all
I recently got back into hifi and my system consists of:

Rega Brio amp
Audio technica LP5X turntable with AT-VMN95E stylus
B&W DM601 S3 speakers

So I have heard a lot of good things about the red AT-VMN95ML stylus. And thats its a worthwhile upgrade. However our IT guy. A nice chap but a bit of a know it all. Anyway he told me today that on my system I wouldnt notice any difference.

To be fair I do get where he is coming from. But I would be interested in your input.

[saveloy]

Nonsense, give it a go as it's a nice step up. I use it on one of my turntables.

Kyri

[w1bbles]

I agree - give it a go! Changing cartridge is always a fun experiment if you can align it properly (or get someone else to). It doesn't look like a bank breaker.

[macp]

saveloy said:

Nonsense, give it a go as it's a nice step up. I use it on one of my turntables.

Kyri

Yes I was probably too quick to grab my handbag . But im impressed with my LP5X and feel it would make an improvement.

[macp]

w1bbles said:

I agree - give it a go! Changing cartridge is always a fun experiment if you can align it properly (or get someone else to). It doesn't look like a bank breaker.

Much obliged. But the beauty of the AT VM carts is they basically snap in and out. Except for checking the balance thats about it.

Edited by macp on Monday 20th January 21:23

[Nico Adie]

I've got a 1210 with various cartridges & headshells, one of which is a VM95ML - I got the ML stylus to replace the EX one and there's a definite improvement in fidelity, particularly during inner groove play.

[darreni]

I fitted one of these to my old project turntable, a fantastic improvement.

https://www.whathifi.com/goldring/e3/review

Get a set of stylus scales to set the tracking weight too:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XYHTQCM/ref=sspa_dk...

[Flying machine]

macp said:

Much obliged. But the beauty of the AT VM carts is they basically snap in and out. Except for checking the balance thats about it.

Edited by macp on Monday 20th January 21:23

Did you do it? If so, what are your thoughts? I've always found that money spent on a good cartridge is money well spent and can really make a big difference.

[macp]

Not yet buddy but I just got some pocket money so im considering it. And this is because I was wondering whether to wear out my current cart first. As the replacement has a considerably longer life. Even if its not significantly better sounding.

[thebraketester]

I think your IT guys is probably correct.

[macp]

Interesting video on an AT turntable with both carts.

https://youtu.be/o-AGK0tNC40?si=kOjh82WoMviBiMNC

[StescoG66]

Just do it. The system is good enough to merit it. You can’t beat a good value upgrade like that.

[OutInTheShed]

Upgrade to a CD player, a good streaming service or going out and hearing some live music?
Or buy some more records?

As an engineer, I want to measure how 'bad' your existing stylus is.
Is it dominating the imperfections of your system?
Do you listen to your discs and think about the artists and the songs or about your gramophone?

I used to work with a bloke who not only knew a great deal about electronics and signal processing, but was also a handy musician.
His theory was that the best upgrade to the listening experience was a glass or two of vino.

A stylus upgrade:
https://nanola.wine/product/stylus-red-blend/

[macp]

StescoG66 said:

Just do it. The system is good enough to merit it. You can’t beat a good value upgrade like that.

I would think so too.

[macp]

OutInTheShed said:

Upgrade to a CD player, a good streaming service or going out and hearing some live music?
Or buy some more records?

As an engineer, I want to measure how 'bad' your existing stylus is.
Is it dominating the imperfections of your system?
Do you listen to your discs and think about the artists and the songs or about your gramophone?

I used to work with a bloke who not only knew a great deal about electronics and signal processing, but was also a handy musician.
His theory was that the best upgrade to the listening experience was a glass or two of vino.

A stylus upgrade:
https://nanola.wine/product/stylus-red-blend/

I have an Arcam CD player too although I didnt mention it because I was just talking about my turntable. And I know the CD will arguably sound better. I do go out and listen to live music too. Since starting this thread I realised my existing cart is actually pretty good. And the main reason for the upgrade would be a slight sound improvement. But mostly the major improvement would be how much longer the red cart will last.

[bazza.]

I can very strongly recommend this replacement slylus for your AT its very impressive

[macp]

bazza. said:

I can very strongly recommend this replacement slylus for your AT its very impressive

Cool thanks I will do some research