Audio-Technica AT-ART9XA
Best high end cartridge for audiophiles seeking pure transparency and detail.
This cartridge is built for the purist who prioritizes absolute signal clarity over everything else. By ditching the magnetic core, it achieves a stunningly expansive soundstage, though you will need a high-end setup to truly appreciate the precision and nuance it extracts from your vinyl.
$1699.00
at
Best Buy
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking lifelike clarity and precise instrument separation
- Vinyl enthusiasts who demand flawless tracking across all record types
- Listeners who prioritize a smooth and extended treble response
Who should skip it
- Owners of entry-level preamps lacking sufficient gain for low-output cartridges
- Casual users prone to accidental handling or frequent cartridge swapping
- Budget-conscious listeners looking for a more accessible entry into moving coils
Performance breakdown
Tracking Precision
The Shibata stylus navigates complex grooves with surgical accuracy and stability.
High-Frequency Detail
Boron cantilever construction captures delicate transients with remarkable clarity and air.
Resonance Control
Machined aluminum base effectively dampens vibrations for a cleaner, quieter signal.
Soundstage Depth
Non-magnetic core design creates an expansive, immersive, and natural listening environment.
Signal Purity
PCOCC coils ensure minimal signal loss for a transparent, uncolored output.
Setup Complexity
Demanding output voltage requires a high-quality phono stage for optimal performance.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Moving Coil (MC)
Stylus Shape
Shibata
Output Voltage
0.2 millivolts
Coil Impedance
12 ohms
Frequency Response
20-50000 Hz
Channel Separation
30 dB
Vertical Tracking Force
1.6-2.0 g
Vertical Tracking Angle
20 degrees
Mounting Type
Standard Mount (1/2 inch)
Weight
8.5 grams (0.3 ounces)
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