So my question is if I buy the VM95L/H does that mean I don’t have to mess about with screws etc, I just take the Red headshell off and put the VM95L/H headshell on, then recalibrate accordingly? I don’t know all the TT terminology but hopefully you know what I mean? My displays are helpful when I look at other's recorded music and I see the wave form "fill" my screen and often look like a flat top hair cut near or at 0db, compressed and limited probably to -0.5db. right to the edge. This happens way too often in pop music. Strength- Wholesome delivery, tons of heart, presents mid-bass (toms, bass guitar, male vocals) with authoritative swagger and punch, excellent harmonics, lush emotion, rich tonal beauty. Weaknesses- Less high frequency sustain (noted in cymbal decay), less focused detail than ML, not as precise of staging as ML. Of course I like to have a good balance which I have more or less managed to achieve but with just a slight tip away from bright.

AVForums AT-VM95L/H v Ortofon 2M Blue | AVForums

Weaknesses- Transparent to the point of seeming thin, dry character, some higher frequencies are brilliant to the point of glaring, analytically sterile presence. The albums- PJ Harvey- Dry, George Benson- the Shape of Things to Come, Sonic Youth- Dirty, Nina Simone- Sings the Blues. The EMI regulationss is one point that most modern amps / receivers have such high capacity in the phono section.Characteristics shared between all styli are a warm, full-bodied sound that is also quite punchy. There’s a lot of drive here, though the VM95 is not voiced such that standout bumps in frequency make it an unpleasant listen. Rather it has a bit of ‘oomf’ to use a technical term that makes it, if anything, great fun above all else. It sounds much like the predecessor, though with more evenhandedness and control than the AT95, which tends to sound dry and a bit dull in comparison. VM95C The stereo- Technics SL1500C turntable w/ KAB damper, Graham Slee Era Gold V preamp, Yamaha A-S801 amp, JBL L82 speakers, Rythmik L12 sub. Planning to get an ML stylus at some point as its a bit cheaper and it might be nice for extracting a bit more drive out of records that are somewhat constricted in dynamic range and sound compressed by default.

AT VM95ML - Impressions | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo AT VM95ML - Impressions | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo

So, long story short, up until a couple of weeks ago I was seriously considering giving up my vinyl hobby. I'll try to describe my takeaway w/o waxing poetic or getting too long-winded for anyone to care to read. From what I've seen from people's comparisons between the ML and the SH its pretty much down to personal preference and system sound. I asked myself: but why has the Grado Reference Platinum Wood MI no problems with capacity? An engineer explained it to me. What I have understand so far it's due to different coil windig. But that's another story...

Measurements

I would love to hear some of these multi thousand pound TT set ups to hear what a really top notch set up sounds like. I have read and practiced over the years that you do want to turn on that last bit, which is above the -6db threshold (6 x the bit rate is the dynamic range). One engineer I read said that there is no reason to go above -5db, but I think that leaving 3db of loudness disregarded as not a good practice and it lowers the rest of the music as well. I generally do not go over -2db in my own work, but overs in digital are bad, so I avoid them at all costs. I noticed in these two files I had clearance at the top of the wave forms by going to -1db. I prefer a balanced sound with nice low (tight and deep) and realistic/clean detail at the top. (lol... so I want everything in one hehehhe).

AT-VM95ML or similar?!- Vinyl Engine AT-VM95ML or similar?!- Vinyl Engine

Instead of me giving you my opinion, why not listen for yourself? I digitized at 96/24 a selection (Gigout's "Grand Chorus in Dialogue") from Music For Organ, Brass and Percussion (Columbia M 31193) featuring E. Power Biggs and The Columbia Brass and Percussion Ensemble recorded at St. George's Church, in NYC. Edward T. Grham and Larry Keyes engineered the 1972 release, which, with its generous bottom end extension, wide dynamics and spacious ambiance seemed like a good choice to help you decide which you prefer. Of course you will have to listen "blind" and please state your preferences in the comments section. I'll reveal which is which within the week.

The VM95 Range

I really have to crank up my volume on that LP to get any sort of decent headroom, maybe the ML will open things up for stuff like that. Is this overt crispness an anti-skate issue? I have my anti-skate set to match VTF as per AT's rec. Is this brightness (I wouldn't call it shrill but it's VERY crisp) due to my other equipment (detailed below)?