In 2015 the AT-ART9 was released as Audio Technica’s flagship moving coil cartridge. 2020 brought the release of the new Audio Technica AT-ART9XA and AT-ART9XI. The original AT-ART9 had many features of that were carried into the latest release such as the Hybrid body, PCOCC coil contact stylus and solid boron cantilever. However, the ART9 has a 0.26 mm diameter and the new 2020 releases both feature a 0.28mm cantilever.
The moving coils in both of the ART9XA/I cartridges are set up in a V-shape delivering higher channel separation, wider response and a clear sound with minimal distortion. The housing of both models includes aluminium and high-rigidity polymer. This gives very stable and efficient playback, therefore, removing any unwanted resonances.
The ART9XA is roughly based on its predecessor the ART7. The ART9XA stands out by having a non-magnetic core which eliminates any chances of magnetic distortion this giving you a superior spatial representation and sound imaging. Featuring a Shibata stylus, the cartridge delivers accurate tracking and excellent performance in the high to the mid-low range. The coil has been completely redesigned and yields a 20% increase in output voltage to 0.2 mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec).
Audio Technica AT-ART9XA
An update of the AT-ART7, the Audio Technica 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 AT gives only to their 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.
The AT-ART9XA features a Shibata stylus that ensures accurate high and mid-low range reproduction, and the 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever provides excellent response characteristics. The use of a Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke significantly increase magnetic energy when in use. The redesigned coil armature provides an output voltage of 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) which is extremely good for a cartridge of this nature. The machined aluminium base supports both the magnetic circuit and the vibration system, ensuring excellent playback stability and eliminating any unwanted resonances when in use. The Hybrid body made of machined aluminium and high-rigidity plastic also aids in this process.
AT-ART9XI
Featuring a special line contact stylus on a 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever, the AT-ART9XI replaces the AT-ART9 as Audio-Technica’s flagship magnetic core MC cartridge. The specially designed magnetic circuit boasts an output voltage of 0.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) This makes the cartridge easy to use and capable of reproducing even the most delicate expressions. The model features PCOCC coils that allow for high-fidelity transmission making the final audio quality superb.
Comparison
The two models have the same excellent frequency range of 20 – 50,000 Hz and the same vertical tracking angle of 20 degrees. However, the output voltage differs on the two units with the Audio Technica AT-ART9XA having an output voltage of 0.2mV and the AT-ART9XI having one of 0.5mV. Both have a 0.28mm cantilever, However, the Static Compliance varies again between the two; with the 9XA at 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne and the 9XI at 25 x 10-6 cm/dyne. Both models have Threaded cartridge mounting holes which allow for easy installation to a headshell or integrated tonearm.