Thanks for your reponses. I have not tried to get in touch with Audio-Technica yet. I do see that they are offering a wider array of a new "AT-VM" line in the US than they are on the European site. There are 6 AT-VM models ranging from $34 - $200USD. AT-VM looks largely like the VM series but with a slightly different shape. The new AT-VM models also have integrated brass threads for the mounting screws which eliminate the need for a nut. Otherwise they use the same color codes for the stylus types, and the styluses are interchangeable among AT-VM models, as well as with the a higher output versions called AT-XP that are aimed at the DJ market.
On closer inspection, I do see that they put the better stylus types on the less expensive cartridge models. So the amber/caramel colored nude round shank elliptical stylus is now on a $120USD model, as opposed to the older $180USD model that comes with the same type of stylus. Their published measurements on the older, more expensive model are better. No surprise.
I just wonder if in practice the older models are better or worse than the new ones. I'm hoping someone who uses the mainstream VM series has tried the new ones and can tell us whether they are any better, worse or relatively unchanged.
On closer inspection, I do see that they put the better stylus types on the less expensive cartridge models. So the amber/caramel colored nude round shank elliptical stylus is now on a $120USD model, as opposed to the older $180USD model that comes with the same type of stylus. Their published measurements on the older, more expensive model are better. No surprise.
I just wonder if in practice the older models are better or worse than the new ones. I'm hoping someone who uses the mainstream VM series has tried the new ones and can tell us whether they are any better, worse or relatively unchanged.