Reference Moving Coil Performance with a Non-Magnetic Core and Shibata Stylus
The Audio-Technica AT-ART9XA Dual Moving Coil Cartridge is a reference-level analog transducer designed around a non-magnetic-core moving-coil generator. By eliminating the magnetic core used in conventional MC designs, Audio-Technica reduces magnetic distortion and allows the coils to respond with exceptional freedom, helping reproduce fine spatial cues, low-level detail and subtle dynamic changes. A nude Shibata stylus mounted to a 0.28 mm solid boron cantilever provides precise groove contact and excellent tracking of complex musical information.
A redesigned coil armature raises output to 0.2 mV while PCOCC copper windings preserve signal purity from the moving-coil generator. The cartridge combines a machined aluminum base with a high-rigidity polymer housing to suppress unwanted resonance, while threaded mounting holes simplify installation on compatible headshells and tonearms. With its low output and 12-ohm coil impedance, the AT-ART9XA is intended for high-performance systems using an appropriate MC phono stage, head amplifier or step-up transformer.
Highlights & Benefits
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Non-Magnetic-Core Moving Coil Design — Eliminating a magnetic core from the coil assembly helps reduce magnetic distortion and supports highly open, spatially precise reproduction.
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Nude Shibata Stylus — The advanced Shibata profile provides extended groove-wall contact for excellent detail retrieval, controlled tracing distortion and refined high-frequency reproduction.
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Solid Boron Cantilever — A 0.28 mm-diameter solid boron cantilever combines very high rigidity with low moving mass for fast transient response and accurate groove tracking.
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PCOCC Coil Windings — Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting is used for the moving coils to support high-purity signal transmission from the generator.
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Hybrid Resonance-Controlled Body — A machined aluminum base and high-rigidity polymer housing provide a mechanically stable platform while helping suppress parasitic resonance.
Technology & Design
Non-Magnetic-Core Generator — Unlike conventional moving-coil cartridges that place an iron core inside the coil structure, the AT-ART9XA uses a non-magnetic-core design. This reduces inductive and magnetic effects within the generator and is engineered to improve spatial representation and low-level resolution.
Nude Shibata Diamond — The Shibata stylus traces a broad vertical section of the groove wall with a narrow contact radius, allowing it to retrieve fine groove modulation while maintaining stable tracking through demanding passages.
0.28 mm Solid Boron Cantilever — Boron's excellent stiffness-to-mass ratio allows the cantilever to respond rapidly to groove motion while minimizing flex, contributing to precise transient reproduction and extended frequency response.
Machined Aluminum Base and Threaded Mounting — The aluminum base supports both the magnetic circuit and vibration system, while integrated threaded mounting holes allow secure installation without separate cartridge nuts.
FAQ — Audio-Technica AT-ART9XA
What is special about the AT-ART9XA's non-magnetic-core design?
The moving coils operate without a magnetic iron core inside the coil structure. Audio-Technica uses this architecture to reduce magnetic distortion and improve spatial reproduction, low-level detail and transient response.
What tracking force should I use with the AT-ART9XA?
Audio-Technica specifies a vertical tracking-force range of 1.6 to 2.0 grams, with 1.8 grams as the standard recommended setting.
Does the AT-ART9XA require a moving-coil phono stage?
Yes. Its 0.2 mV output is considerably lower than a conventional moving-magnet cartridge, so the AT-ART9XA requires suitable MC gain through a compatible moving-coil phono preamplifier, head amplifier or step-up transformer. Audio-Technica specifies a recommended load impedance of at least 100 ohms when using a head amplifier.
How does the AT-ART9XA differ from the AT-ART9XI?
The AT-ART9XA uses a non-magnetic-core generator and a nude Shibata stylus, while the AT-ART9XI uses a magnetic-core generator and a nude Special Line Contact stylus. The XA has a lower 0.2 mV output, while the XI is designed for higher output.
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