Moving Coil Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-ART9XA

The Audio-Technica AT-ART9XA is a high-performance, non-magnetic core moving coil cartridge designed for the most refined turntables. This product is an update to the AT-ART7 and is part of Audio-Technica’s top-tier phono cartridge lineup, indicated by the “ART” in the model name, which stands for Audio-Technica Reference Transducer.

Design and Construction

The AT-ART9XA is fitted with a Shibata stylus on a solid boron cantilever with a 0.28 mm diameter. This stylus ensures precise reproduction of high and mid-bass frequency ranges, delivering excellent response characteristics. The cartridge’s non-magnetic core design eliminates magnetic distortion, enabling natural musical tonality and an accurate soundstage.

The cartridge’s two moving coils are aligned in an inverted V configuration, providing high channel separation and a wide response for clear imaging and minimal distortion. It is also equipped with a neodymium magnet and a permendur back yoke, greatly increasing magnetic energy.

Materials and Performance

The AT-ART9XA’s machined aluminum base supports both the magnetic circuit and the vibration system, ensuring excellent tracking stability. The hybrid body—machined aluminum combined with high-rigidity plastic—reduces unwanted parasitic resonances.

The cartridge’s redesigned coil armature delivers an output voltage of 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec), and its PCOCC coils ensure high-fidelity signal transmission. Threaded mounting holes make it easy to install on a headshell or integrated tonearm.

Sound Quality

The AT-ART9XA is renowned for its smoothness, delicacy, and detail, making it an excellent choice for acoustic vocals, classical music, and small-ensemble jazz. It delivers a highly present, lively, and detailed sound. Excellent dynamics, extended treble, and superb realism contribute to a lifelike listening experience.

Benefits of the AT-ART9XA

Non-magnetic core moving coil design for precise spatial imaging
High separation and wide response for clear sound localization
Faithful reproduction of high and mid-bass frequencies
0.28 mm boron cantilever for excellent response
PCOCC coils for high-fidelity transmission
Machined aluminum base ensuring stable tracking
Hybrid aluminum body reducing parasitic resonances
Easy mounting thanks to threaded holes

Technical Specifications

Stylus and Cartridge

Diamond Mounting: Nude
Diamond Type: Shibata
Cantilever: Solid boron, 0.28 mm diameter

Measurements

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 (nominal 1.8 g)
Recommended Load Impedance: Minimum 100 Ω (with preamplifier)
Coil Impedance: 12 Ω (1 kHz)
DC Resistance: 12 Ω
Coil Inductance: 2.5 µH (1 kHz)
Output Voltage: 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm / s)
Channel Balance: 0.5 dB (1 kHz)
Static Compliance: 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne
Dynamic Compliance: 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm / dyne (100 Hz)
Mounting: 12.7 mm
Weight: 8.5 g

General

Dimensions (H × W × D): 17.3 × 16.8 × 25.0 mm
Included Accessories:
- Non-magnetic screwdriver
- 2 washers
- Mounting screws (M2.6) (5.0 mm × 2, 8.0 mm × 2, 10.0 mm × 2, 12.0 mm × 2)
- Stylus guard
- Brush
- Threading: M2.6 × 2