Audio-Technica At-Vm95En Vs Ortofon 2M Red

When it comes to the world of vinyl, choosing the right cartridge is crucial for extracting the purest sound from your records. Two of the most renowned cartridge manufacturers, Audio-Technica and Ortofon, offer highly acclaimed models: the AT-VM95EN and the 2M Red. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two cartridges, examining their features, performance, and suitability for different listening preferences.

Cartridge Design and Construction

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN

The AT-VM95EN boasts a Dual Moving Coil (DMC) design, featuring two coils mounted on a single armature. This configuration enhances channel separation and reduces distortion for a more accurate and immersive soundstage. The cartridge body is made of lightweight aluminum, ensuring minimal resonance and optimal tracking performance.

Ortofon 2M Red

The Ortofon 2M Red utilizes a Moving Magnet (MM) design, where a single magnet is fixed to the cartridge body and moves within a coil. This design is known for its simplicity, affordability, and compatibility with a wide range of turntables. The cartridge body is made of reinforced polymer, offering durability and resistance to feedback.

Stylus and Performance

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN

The AT-VM95EN is equipped with an elliptical stylus, which provides a wider contact area with the record groove compared to a conical stylus. This results in improved detail retrieval, reduced surface noise, and extended frequency response. The stylus is mounted on a low-mass cantilever, ensuring precise tracking and minimal distortion.

Ortofon 2M Red

The Ortofon 2M Red features a spherical stylus, which has a smaller contact area with the record groove. While this may result in slightly less detail retrieval, it also reduces record wear and makes the cartridge more forgiving of imperfections in the vinyl. The stylus is mounted on a tapered aluminum cantilever, providing excellent tracking stability.

Frequency Response and Sound Quality

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN

The AT-VM95EN offers a wide frequency response, extending from 20Hz to 25kHz. Its sound signature is characterized by a balanced and neutral presentation, with a slightly warm lower end and a detailed and extended high end. The cartridge excels at reproducing vocals and instruments with clarity and realism.

Ortofon 2M Red

The Ortofon 2M Red has a frequency response of 20Hz to 18kHz. Its sound signature is known for its bright and lively character, with a pronounced upper midrange and a crisp and energetic high end. The cartridge is particularly well-suited for pop, rock, and electronic music, where it emphasizes rhythmic elements and enhances the overall listening experience.

Tracking Ability and Compatibility

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN

The AT-VM95EN has a recommended tracking force of 1.8 to 2.2 grams. Its high compliance allows it to track even warped records with ease, ensuring minimal skipping and distortion. The cartridge is compatible with a wide range of tonearms, making it a versatile choice for various turntables.

Ortofon 2M Red

The Ortofon 2M Red has a recommended tracking force of 1.8 grams. Its lower compliance makes it slightly less forgiving of record imperfections, but it also provides excellent stability and precision in tracking. The cartridge is compatible with most medium-mass tonearms, making it suitable for a variety of turntables.

Price and Value

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN

The AT-VM95EN typically retails for around $150. For this price, it offers a high-performance cartridge with a balanced and neutral sound signature, excellent tracking ability, and compatibility with a wide range of turntables.

Ortofon 2M Red

The Ortofon 2M Red typically retails for around $120. It represents a more budget-friendly option, offering a bright and lively sound signature, good tracking ability, and compatibility with most medium-mass tonearms.

Which Cartridge is Right for You?

The choice between the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN and the Ortofon 2M Red ultimately depends on your personal listening preferences and turntable setup.

Choose the AT-VM95EN if:

• You prefer a balanced and neutral sound signature with a wide frequency response.
• You have a turntable with a low-mass tonearm.
• You want a cartridge that excels at reproducing vocals and instruments with clarity.

Choose the 2M Red if:

• You prefer a bright and lively sound signature with a pronounced upper midrange.
• You have a turntable with a medium-mass tonearm.
• You want a cartridge that is well-suited for pop, rock, and electronic music.

Final Thoughts: The Sound of Perfection

Both the Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN and the Ortofon 2M Red are exceptional cartridges that offer distinct sound signatures and performance characteristics. Whether you seek a balanced and neutral sound or a bright and lively experience, these cartridges will elevate your vinyl listening experience to new heights.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. What is the difference between a DMC and an MM cartridge?

A DMC (Dual Moving Coil) cartridge uses two coils mounted on a single armature, while an MM (Moving Magnet) cartridge uses a single magnet fixed to the cartridge body and moving within a coil. DMC cartridges generally offer better channel separation and reduced distortion.

2. Which cartridge is more durable?

Both the AT-VM95EN and the 2M Red are durable cartridges, but the 2M Red has a reinforced polymer body that provides increased resistance to feedback and wear.

3. Can I use either cartridge with my turntable?

Check the recommended tracking force and compliance of the cartridge to ensure compatibility with your turntable. The AT-VM95EN is compatible with a wider range of tonearms, while the 2M Red is better suited for medium-mass tonearms.