This particular Audio Technica cartridge will suprisingly enough yield very crisp and clear audio quality. Bass response is tight but not overwhelming nor weak. The wonderful thing about this type of cartridge is that it’s basically a plug and play set up (just have to tighten a screw to hold it in place with most P-mount systems). The elliptical stylus or tip is designed for better contact with the stereo groove walls in a record resulting in better frequency response and clarity. The user does not have to worry about how much stylus pressure,weight, or anti-skating to provide to get the most from this cartridge;that’s the beauty of using this cartridge on a P-mount tonearm instead of as a standard one…This cartrdige will perform admirably when used for regular record listening conditions. This is not a DJ stylus to scratch with as you may damage the needle and the record ("burn"). Also, it is more suitable for playing any kind of music except classical or jazz where a high end audiophile cartridge/needle would be needed. Such a high end cartridge and needle would bring out extreme musical detail as well as the ambiance or "air" of the instruments. Also, that would allow for better stereo separation as well… This is only a better than average cartridge meaning that you will only get about maybe a little over a year’s worth of use from it (if you played one or 2 records a day or every 2 days respectively). That is also the difference between a basic low priced cartridge/stylus versus an audiophile grade one (those can usually go for about 5 years—but you would be talking anywhere from hundreds to maybe thousands of dollars).

Decided to get back into vinyl and break out my old turntable and records. My turntable was set up for DJ use and had a shure m44-7 cart installed. After buying some new vinyl, I noticed that the shure really colored the sound, way too much bass and muddy mids. The shure was definitely not made for critical listening. After a lot of research, I decided to try this cart because of the great reviews and low price. This cart made a huge difference, the music now sounds alive and smooth. The bass is tight without the overbloated sound the shure produced. I am no vinyl audiophile but know good sound, and this cart produces. A definite thumbs up for someone on a budget.

My audio system:

Panasonic xr57K on bi-amp mode
arcam diva cd73
axiom audio m80 speakers
technics sl1200mk3 with at92ecd cart
behringer pp400 phono amp

This is an excellent all around solid performer. When compared to a Shure 92E, this Audio Technica 92ECD stands head and shoulders above the Shure in terms of high frequency response-cymbals etc. I’m sure the narrower elliptical stylus helps. No, it’s not as “neutral” sounding as the Shure, but, to my ear anyway, is much “brighter” but also balanced. This is a good basic upgrade cartridge. It’s not an “audiophile” contender but reproduces music nicely, well beyond most basic cartridges. Good “universal” value especially in that it can be used as either a P mount or standard. Have a listen, you can’t go wrong for the price.