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.

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.

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 MK2First 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

The media could not be loaded. Very happy with this purchase. Arrived quickly and on time. Slipped on with no adjustments needed which was surprising. Works perfect.

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

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.

The cartridge was not correctly aligned which is a shock considering brand new audio technica. I am lucky I have two different alignment tools so got it right to the sweet point as someone who knows audio and styluses. That's my only thing I have found which is a shame. But all fixed now. Also would like to add I like the AT- xp5 stylus as elliptical not conical at a great price and the sound is really good AS I personally love my vinyl more than CDs and digital audio! great product and happy . thank you This is the second xp5 i have bought that's not been aligned correctly received 18/06/21! But this time screws were missing unless the don't supply anymore! but between the xp3 /5 and 7 the xp 5 cartridge seems to be the best don't ask why in tech terms but in sound it produces the correct balance. not to bass or to much treble just right. for me anyway. thank you. I Bought an XP 5 and it was a warehouse deal which was ok but The price could have been a little cheaper. Anyway i put all styluses under a microscope to see if real deal and it is and never been used. My complaint was dpd had me pencilled in for 14:00 PM hours uk time well it was late at night. If you look at all three XP styluses very different from vm95 range.. and I'm wondering if the ep5 is a elliptical nude rather than just a elliptical? As very pointed compared to the others in range but would expect that with the xp3 as conical all three are great for listening but i have my favour it. I said i would add more as got the information and in no way do i work for audio technica. I put all at vm and xp range styluses under microscope and i like the xp 5 because I'm very sure it is a naked elliptical but the cartridge is nocked back on voltage so fit it to the xp7 cartridge and you will hear a massive difference. And its more like a at91 seriously . All a learning curve.

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, I have to turn my Bass down 10% & Treb up 10% for the sweet spot, & 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, & Polk PSW10 Sub...Simple Low Cost Setup)...Happy Listening

Love the sound from this cartridge. It is a higher output the AT-VMN95EBK cartridge it replaces. Also, love the convenience of an included headshell. Highly recommended.

Excelente custo beneficio, ótima agulha, proporciona um som cristalino e equilibrado, atenua bem os riscos que alguns discos contém.

I have been considering purchasing this cartridge for my DJ turntables but decided to try one on an older Garrard record changer I refurbished. The higher 3 gram tracking ability was a good match for the changer. This cartridge looks great on the changer with it's red stylus, tracks perfectly and sounds amazing. I play older 45s on this changer and the AT-XP5 brought out the music crisp and clean while reducing the background noise. I intend to buy two more of these for my DJ turntables.