Audio Technica AT-ART9XA Moving Coil Cartridge

The “ART” in the model number stands for Audio-Technica Reference Transducer, a designation that Audio Tecnhnica give only to the 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.

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.

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

Specifications

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