Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

Griffithds, please note, the ART9 needs 150 hours of burn in to settle down completely. Initially it could sound a bit bright or thin. It happened on mine. As it settles down you will be amazed by the combination of liquidity, resolution and dynamics. Another thing, it needs to be very well aligned with correct anti skate, VTA and VTF. All these adjustments may take some time but every little adjustment in the right direction will put a big smile on your face. I finally got mine settled after I had the Mint LP protractor specifically for my tonearm (SME M2-12) and ART9.

Dodgealum, I did some research on ART9 before buying. According to an insider at Audio Technica (Japan) the ART7 is more for classical music because it has better micro layering of soundstage. ART9 on the other hand is a much more of an all rounder because it has a very powerful presentation which suits Jazz, Rock and Pop along with classical. ART7 doesnt have the macrodynamic force that the ART9 has. Moreover ART7 is an extremely low output cart making it a difficult cart for phonostage matching. The ART9 is much more friendly in its output voltage and matches with any decent phonostage. The loading needed for ART9 is between 100-120 ohms.

I do not know what price you are expecting for an ART9, on ebay it is mostly listed for $1 -1.2k. I have never seen it cheaper. In fact Audio Technica has been very silent about these carts. There are no known reviews of it. In Japan though it has received many awards and it was one of the Japanese audiophiles who told me that it is one of the super cartridges out there. While insiders know about ART9, outside Japan it is a mystery.

Thanks, Pani. That is very helpful. What arm and table combinations are you guys using with this cartridge? Pani, can give us some further perspective on the weaknesses of the XX2MKII and Delos relative to the ART9? I know the XX2MKII well so that might give me a sense of what the ART9 has to offer.

Hey Pani, I've been patiently waiting for someone to post some meaningful insight to my next cart purchase.

Nice review that speaks to me.

I've lived with an OC9III after trying a couple of popular 1K MC's-Sumiko Blackbird and Benz Glider.While each cart has their particular strength,the OC9 has enough of both carts along with being HALF the price. . My table and downstream components would justify such extravagance as a 2K+ cart, but not my wallet.While the OC9 doesn't match what the others have, it gives enough relative to the price.

If the ART9 follows the same performance/value thread as the OC9, seems exactly what I'm expecting from the ART9.

I would try the ART 7 if it had a bit more output. 1.2mv would be a stretch for my 60db phono without an additional transformer.

Dodgealum, both the xx2 mk2 and Delos are relatively coloured in the tone and timbre when compared to a master tape like neutrality of the ART9. The xx2 will also sound veiled compared to the ART9. The Delos is transparent but it is not as fluid. The ART9 reveals more micro details than either, sounds more sparkling and pure than either. I already said that it is one of the most fluid sounding cartridges I have heard. In that regard it is like a Nude SPU which I had for some time. If you compare an xx2 to a Delos, you will find that the Delos has more bass power, goes bit higher in treble but it doesnt sound as integrated as an XX2. These are all weaknesses that is addressed in the Kleos (as per a audiophile friend). The xx2 of course has a more coherent presentation than the Delos which makes it a bit more musical but probably not as much sparkle or dynamic range as the Delos. Going to a higher Dynavector removes the veil that I had mentioned earlier and improves the dynamics over all. These weaknesses are apparent when you live with these cartridges and hence the upgrade path is available. I do not feel an iota of upgraditis when listening to music on an ART9. It just feels like a great balance of all the musical and audiophile attributes we look for.

Tablejockey, the performance/value of ART9 is extremely high. Compared to the OC9 mk2 you will hear a huge leap in dynamics and resolution if your phono and amplifier is up to it. ART7 needs an appropriate SUT, no point even trying it with an active MC phonostage.

I forgot to mention, my turntable is a Nouvelle Platine Verdier (Auditorium 23 revision) with SME M2-12 tonearm, Naim Superline + Supercap phonostage.