The EMI regulationss is one point that most modern amps / receivers have such high capacity in the phono section. I've read the built in pre on the 1500c is over 300pf capacitance, thus making it unsuitable for the 100-200pf AT spec. It will work fine but could have a tilted up mid treble region.’’ The way is to get a phono preamp, where you can adjust the capacity to about 100pf. This should solve your problem. File 2 is brighter on top listening through my Monsoon planar computer speakers. And it brings the top end notes more forward compared to the rest of the frequency spectrum. The presentation is harsher as well. File 1's presentation is not as bright, and has a more cohesive presentation.

Audio Technica AT-VM95ML/H Headshell/Dual Moving Magnet

Instead of me giving you my opinion, why not listen for yourself? I digitized at 96/24 a selection (Gigout's "Grand Chorus in Dialogue") from Music For Organ, Brass and Percussion (Columbia M 31193) featuring E. Power Biggs and The Columbia Brass and Percussion Ensemble recorded at St. George's Church, in NYC. Edward T. Grham and Larry Keyes engineered the 1972 release, which, with its generous bottom end extension, wide dynamics and spacious ambiance seemed like a good choice to help you decide which you prefer. Of course you will have to listen "blind" and please state your preferences in the comments section. I'll reveal which is which within the week.

Summary

I am also loving the SH and my experience with it ( had it about 4 months now ) pretty much matches yours. Weaknesses- Transparent to the point of seeming thin, dry character, some higher frequencies are brilliant to the point of glaring, analytically sterile presence. If this is any help, my VM540ML sounded terrific right out of the box, depressingly bad at about 5 or 6 hours, then started to improve dramatically at around 10 hours. I founded Audio Appraisal a few years ago and continue to regularly update it with fresh content. An avid vinyl collector and coffee addict, I can often be found at a workbench tinkering with a faulty electronic device, tweaking a turntable to extract the last bit of detail from those tiny grooves in the plastic stuff, or relaxing in front of the hi-fi with a good album. A musician, occasional producer and sound engineer, other hobbies include software programming, web development, long walks and occasional DIY.

Praise for the AT-VM95ML | Steve Hoffman Music Forums Praise for the AT-VM95ML | Steve Hoffman Music Forums

So, long story short, up until a couple of weeks ago I was seriously considering giving up my vinyl hobby. I asked myself: but why has the Grado Reference Platinum Wood MI no problems with capacity? An engineer explained it to me. What I have understand so far it's due to different coil windig. But that's another story... After reading some post I learned that this was due to capacity and I bought an Art Dj Pre II for 55€ - and the brightness was gone instantly. Having a AT-VM540ML, I believe that File 1 is the Audio Technica -- a shade on the bright side of neutral, and I think it shows, particularly at the end.Planning to get an ML stylus at some point as its a bit cheaper and it might be nice for extracting a bit more drive out of records that are somewhat constricted in dynamic range and sound compressed by default. The stereo- Technics SL1500C turntable w/ KAB damper, Graham Slee Era Gold V preamp, Yamaha A-S801 amp, JBL L82 speakers, Rythmik L12 sub.