Audio-Technica AT95B phono cartridge

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-95B AT 95B AT95B CARTRIDGE
- The world-class AT95E in Black

The legacy of excellence continues. The Audio-Technica AT-95B phono cartridge, the black version of the AT-95E, was named one of the industry's best products by the Editors of Stereophile.¹ Previously, the Audio-Technica AT-95E phono cartridge received the same high recommendation: Stereophile Recommended Component October 2004, 2005 and April 2006 (Vol. 27 No.10, Vol. 28 No.10 and Vol. 29 No.4). Packaged by LP Gear, the Audio-Technica AT-95B is the only inexpensive cartridge included in the Stereophile Recommended List. All the other cartridges range from $200 - $17,000! Stereotimes.com March 2007 rated the Audio-Technica AT-95E phono cartridge Highly Recommended.

The Audio-Technica AT-95E phono cartridge has a very distinguished and colorful lineage. On its own, it has been a multiple recipient of Best Buy ratings in the UK. Its lineage is intertwined with the classic and musically acclaimed Linn Basik, K5 and K9 phono cartridges. Unlike these cartridges however, the AT-95E is delightfully affordable and available. Since October, 2004 and up to the present, the Audio-Technica AT-95E phono cartridge is included in the Stereophile Recommended Components List. It is the only inexpensive phono cartridge to be included in this highly selective recommended list! The review summarized the performance of the Audio-Technica AT-95E phono cartridge with the following words: "Makes music for 50 bucks!"

Paul Szabady in Stereotimes March 2007 had this to say about the Audio-Technica AT95E phono cartridge:

"The AT-95E integrates the range of the sonic bandwidth very well: no part of the spectrum sticks out at the listener. It doesn’t sound bright and it doesn’t sound dull at the top frequencies. Midrange is clear and detailed with no spittiness on vocals, though really cheap and inadequate analog match-ups will cause an slight upper mid-range burr."

The half-inch standard mount and dual-magnet Audio-Technica AT-95B cartridge sounds clear, dynamic and richly balanced. It allows music lovers to use limited means to upgrade their turntables and thus attain a higher level of discernment and listening pleasure without the financial burden typically associated with high end cartridges. Yes it is vibrant, dynamic and rich in detail as reviewers and users say, and some users may no longer wish to upgrade further. The Audio-Technica AT-95E phono cartridge has been consistently rated a "Best Buy" in the UK and we agree wholeheartedly.

Audio-Technica AT-95B Phono Cartridge Specifications
- Output voltage @ 1kHz, 5cm/sec.: 3.5mV
- Channel balance: Within 2dB
- Channel separation @ 1kHz: > 20dB
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Load resistance: 47k ohms
- Load capacitance: 100 - 200 pF
- Stylus type: Highly polished elliptical diamond stylus, 0.4 x 0.7 mil
- Tracking force range: 1.5 - 2.5 g
- Tracking force, recommended: 2.0 g (20 mN)
- Vertical tracking angle: 20°
- Coil impedance @ 1kHz: 2.8k ohms
- Coil inductance@ 1kHz: 400 mH
- Recommended load resistance: 47k ohms
- Color: Black
- Weight: 6.6 g
- Dimensions (mm): L 30.5 x W 17.0 x H 17.20
- Stylus replacement: Audio-Technica ATN95EB

¹ Michael Fremer et al, "Recommended Components: Editors Top Picks For The Industry's Best Products," Stereophile, Vol.34 No.4 (April 2011): 66.