Since 2015, the AT-ART9 has been our moving coil cartridge flagship. Five years later we are taking things to the next level. The AT-ART9XA and the AT-ART9XI are our latest high-performance cartridges with both models drawing their name from our award-winning Audio-Technica Reference Transducer (ART) technology.
The moving coils in either of the ART9X cartridges are aligned in a V-shape delivering higher channel separation, wider response and a clear sound localisation with minimal distortion. The housing of both models includes aluminium and high-rigidity polymer. This ensures stable playback and minimises unwanted resonances. The cartridge body has threaded screw holes that allow easy installation using only two mounting screws, with no mounting bolts required.
The main difference between the two products is the varying school of thought. One uses a magnetic core the other does not.
The ART9XA, like its predecessor the ART7, stands out by having a non-magnetic core which eliminates any chances of magnetic distortion, 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 mid-low range. A completely redesigned coil armature yields a 20% increase in output voltage to 0.2 mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec).
The ART9XI is the successor of the ART9, which is noticeable because both have a magnetic core. This provides a superior dynamic range and presence for vocals and instruments. Additionally, its higher output voltage of 0.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) delivers a powerful performance. The cartridge has a special line contact stylus, which is a popular choice in our high-end range due to its precise tracking and resolution of fine music detail.
We are excited to be able to further the legacy of both the ART7 and ART9, with the new cartridges. The AT-ART9XA and AT-ART9XI are now available online, each priced at $2,299.
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 “ART” in the model number stands for Audio-Technica Reference Transducer, a designation that we give only to our flagship phono cartridges. The specially designed magnetic circuit boasts an output voltage of 0.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec), making the cartridge easy to use and capable of reproducing even the most delicate expressions, while also ensuring dynamic playback. The dual moving coils (fashioned from high-performance PCOCC wire) are aligned in an inverted V shape to provide high separation and wide response for clear sound localization and minimal distortion. Threaded cartridge mounting holes make installation to a headshell or integrated tonearm incredibly easy.
- Audio-Technica’s flagship magnetic core moving coil cartridge
- Dual moving coils are aligned in an inverted V shape, providing high separation and wide response for clear sound localization and minimal distortion
- ARTXA Shibata stylus ensures accurate high and mid-low range reproduction, and the 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever provides excellent response characteristics
- ARTXI Special line contact stylus ensures faithful reproduction of the music signal, and the 0.28 mm diameter solid boron cantilever provides excellent response characteristics
- Neodymium magnet and permendur yoke significantly increase magnetic energy
- ARTXA Redesigned coil armature provides an output voltage of 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
- ARTXI Specially designed magnetic circuit provides an output voltage of 0.5 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
| Frequency Response |
20-50,000 Hz
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| Channel Separation |
30 (dB at 1 kHz)
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| Vertical Tracking Angle |
20°
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| Stylus Construction |
Nude
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| Recommended Load Impedance |
Min. 100 ohms (when head amplifier connected)
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| Coil Impedance |
12 ohms (1 kHz)
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| DC Resistance |
12 ohms
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| Coil Inductance |
A 2.5 µH (1 kHz) X 25µH
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| Output Voltage |
A 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.) X 0.5 mV
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| Output Channel Balance |
0.5 dB (1 kHz)
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| Stylus Shape |
A Shibata X Special Line Contact
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| Cantilever |
0.28 mm diameter solid boron
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| Static Compliance |
A 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne X 25 x 10-6 cm/dyne
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| Dynamic Compliance |
A 10 x 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz) X 15 x 10-6 cm/dyne (100 Hz)
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| Mounting |
Half-inch
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| Cartridge Weight |
8.5 g (0.30 oz)
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| Dimensions |
17.3 mm (0.68″) H × 16.8 mm (0.66″) W × 25.0 mm (0.98″) D
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| 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
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| Notes |
Note: moving coil cartridges require receivers or preamps with compatible inputs; their stylus assemblies are not field-replaceable.
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