Audio-Technica AT-ART9XA Cartridge

An update of the AT-ART7, the AT-ART9XA non-magnetic core MC cartridge features a Shibata stylus on a 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever.

The “ART” in the model number stands for Audio-Technica Reference Transducer, a designation that we give only to our flagship phono cartridges. Compared with the magnetic core used in most MC cartridges, non-magnetic core cartridges are free from magnetic distortion, allowing for natural timbre and a precise sound field. Although conventional non-magnetic cores struggle with output voltage, the AT-ART9XA features a newly designed coil armature with an improved output voltage of 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec). The dual moving coils (fashioned from high-performance PCOCC wire) are aligned in an inverted V shape to provide high separation and wide response. Threaded cartridge mounting holes make installation to a headshell or integrated tonearm incredibly easy.

Features

• Non-magnetic core moving coil cartridge offers superior spatial representation
• Dual moving coils are aligned in an inverted V shape, providing high separation and wide response for clear sound localization and minimal distortion
• Shibata stylus ensures accurate high and mid-low range reproduction, and the 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever provides excellent response characteristics
• Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke significantly increase magnetic energy
• Redesigned coil armature provides an output voltage of 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• PCOCC coils ensure high-fidelity transmission
• Machined aluminum base supports both the magnetic circuit and the vibration system, ensuring excellent playback stability
• Hybrid body of machined aluminum and high-rigidity plastic reduces undesirable parasitic resonance
• Threaded cartridge mounting holes allow easy installation to a headshell or integrated tonearm

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Response 20-50,000 Hz
• Channel Separation 30 (dB at 1 kHz)
• Vertical Tracking Angle 20°
• Vertical Tracking Force 1.6-2.0 g (1.8 g standard)
• Stylus Construction Nude
• Recommended Load Impedance Min. 100 ohms (when head amplifier connected)
• Coil Impedance 12 ohms (1 kHz)
• DC Resistance 12 ohms
• Coil Inductance 2.5 µH (1 kHz)
• Output Voltage 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.)
• Output Channel Balance 0.5 dB (1 kHz)
• Stylus Shape Shibata
• Cantilever 0.28 mm diameter solid boron
• Static Compliance 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne
• Dynamic Compliance 10 x 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz)
• Mounting Half-inch
• Cartridge Weight 8.5 g (0.30 oz)
• Dimensions 17.3 mm (0.68") H × 16.8 mm (0.66") W × 25.0 mm (0.98") D
• Accessories Included Non-magnetic screwdriver; 2 washers; cartridge installation screws (M2.6) (5.0 mm × 2, 8.0 mm × 2, 10.0 mm x 2, 12.0 mm x 2); protector; brush
• Threaded Hole M2.6 x 2

Note: moving coil cartridges require receivers or preamps with compatible inputs; their stylus assemblies are not field-replaceable.