Audio-Technica AT-XP5/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo DJ Cartridge with Headshell Red

I got myself a Technics, knowing the virtues and shortcoming of the package I decided to go for the ATXP5 going after the fancy fibre glass housing and the higher output internals, hoping for a better result than the ATVM95E. I also bought a Shibata stylus from the VM series, so I expected to leave the original stylus in the drawer. Surprise, surprise. Yes the Shibata is more detailed and "better" but on the Technics it shows a very mild lack of midrange (very Technics issue, nothing unexpected). However the original ATXP5 stylus just rocks, I trade a bit of bass and yes it obviously rolls off the treble at some point but on this turntable works, giving a sweet end result, lots of detail and an expansive stereo image, I have thrown my worse albums at it and it just laughs at them, I cannot just thank the Technics for it, this cartridge was really tuned for DJ turntables. I am really impressed and now I don't know if will ever buy the not DJ elliptical. I used a head shell of 9.5 g and that gave me around 14Hz of oscillation with a test album, hence compliance seems to be low, around 9 CU @ 10Hz, I added a pair of screws to take it between 12/13 Hz. I recommend to use a heavier head shell than Technics. Also I changed the original phono cables of my turntables for a low capacitance pair to make sure total capacitance was just under 200pf, my phono is a Cambridge Duo. Note 1: As I got myself the full cartridge I should add that its compatibility with the VM95 series is just perfect, I had to lower the Amp input level as this cartridge is loud but the results with a VM95SH stylus was seamless, I bought also an XTP3 stylus for old and mono records and again no issues. Hence this cartridge does open you several upgrade or even downgrade paths. Update: XTP5 and XTP3 needle: I should add that if you want to understand how they sound, they are both a more refined (meaning a tad clearer) but somehow similar sound to the older brother at3500/Rega carbon which is still available as the best entry level cartridge. I bought an at3600 catrtidge in order to use my old needles, both Turntableneedles.com upgrades for AT3600 body, elliptical and Hiperelliptical for a Sony PSHX-500, in despite the similarity one can hear that you have not hit the diminishing returns here. I recommend the ATXP5 for users needing 3 grams styluses or coming from the at3600/Rega carbon who want to be able to have and elliptical upgrade. ATXP5 body + ATVM95SH needle: It took me several adjustments and there some more until I finally made the fancy Shibata needle perform, that included using my old Achromat on the new turnable, it sounds very neutral, but that means an extended bass and treble hence be careful if your system tends to brightness as it is common in the UK. Stereo was slightly wider than the original XP5 stylus and rock solid, comparison to the cheaper brother AT3600 with micro linear stylus and elliptical seem to subjectively confirm than the PPS housing improves performance, it just has a better imaging and a cleaner sound. The "Off Label" combination performs enough to make any upgrade up on the Audio-Technica ladder (VM series I mean) unlikely for me, in despite the theoretical better numbers of that family. So far this is my Hi-FI pick up of choice. Hope this helps you. Updated: I have changed the Head shell to an AT of 15 g and resonance was just 11 Hz that means as much as I like the cartridge, the ATXP5 has a very low compliance of 9 or even 8 cu @ 10 Hz. which you need to take in consideration for the Technics turntable.

After using conical styli I thought I'd give an elliptical a go. This XP5 headhsell and cartridge seemed good value and had good reviews so I went for it. This has been fitted to a reloop rp7000 MK2 First off the cartridge was aligned and it didn't have to change the tone arm height. Secondly the clarity is superb especially the highs, cymbals and high vocals come through really well, saying that the mids and bass is fantastic. One thing you will get with this cart is more surface noise, the stylus gets deep into the groove but saying that you get a lot of detail with it too. Another thing this cart is LOUD! I run my deck through a mixer and really didn't need much gain to run it at all. Overall I'm really pleased with this, for the price there's plenty of detail. It'll put me on for a while

Tried several cartridges, all sounded good but absolutely nothing compared to this. Sound is excellent with perfect balance of lows, mids and highs and perfect clarity with no sibilance. Only drawback was the overhang wasn't right for my reloop turntable but an easy 2min fix.

Stunning sounding for the price.

Very happy with this purchase. Arrived quickly and on time. Slipped on with no adjustments needed which was surprising. Works perfect.

I'll be honest, I don't know much about this stuff, but I totally love it. It looks extremely cool and it sounds awesome. I haven't directly compared with others though.

So easy to install, and a revelation in operation. An easy way to upgrade an A-T conical stylus, with outstanding aural results. Rivals more expensive styli.

Good replacement for XP3 cartridge, nice little upgrade for £42.

Já faz um tempão que comprei essa cápsula + agulha e o som continua firme e limpo! Recomendo a todos!

Quelle changement par rapport à mon ancienne cellule d'origine. Je ne suis pas mélomane mais cela enchante mes oreilles et je redécouvre mes disques sous un autres jour.

Llegó súper rápido, fácil de instalar y mejoró mucho el audio comprado con mi fonocaptor anterior.

This is my second time round with this Stylus...I've tried the AT-VMN Series C & E, the OM Omega & 10, and the AT-XP3. The AT - XP5 Cart/Styli is the one I am coming back to, due to a few factors. The XP Cart is @ 5.5mv, which results in a good difference/boost in the output. On my modest Set-up, Bass response is good, centered, a bit heavy compared to other Carts/Styli Combos but not obstructive (Similar to the VNM95E, & the XP3 is a little less Bass response, centered, and heavy). The Mids Sound good, the Treb is good, not brittle, (a little less bright than the OM's) and the sparkle is still there. I would consider this a warm Set-up with good separation and soundstage (when a good slab of wax that has these characteristics is playing). Tracks nicely with a wide tracking weight range (2.0g - 4.0g), mine is @ the low end of 2.4g with no issues, and this combo is petty forgiving to vinyl (Clicks/Pops/External Movement) compared to some of the others I've had. Plus, the Cart works with the AT-VMN95 Series (IMO the Cart makes the VMN95's sound better) and the XP5 Styli for under $50. Considering all of these aspects are what have made this my go to for my modest Set-Up, that consists of... (Fluance RT-82 w/Acrylic Platter, ATN-XP cart/5 stylus. Nobsound T3 Phono Amp, Aiyima A07 Pro, Kicker KB6B, & 2x Polk PSW10 Subs...Simple Low Cost Setup)...Happy Listening

I was a bit skeptical looking at the box. It was not sealed and edges were worn out. Looked like a used box. However, after I installed the headshell along with the cartridge, sound output and performance is quite satisfying. Nothing to complain about the performance of the stylus.