We saw them at CES 2020 and our reps really took the time to go over them. There has been a huge demand for them and there are so many different options available. The full press release is below and you can see this is much more advanced that the old style players.
Audio-Technica Introduces Its AT-ART9XI and AT-ART9XA
High-Performance Phono Cartridges
STOW, OH, August 7th, 2020 Audio-Technica today announced the introduction of its AT-ART9XI and AT-ART9XA dual moving coil stereo phono cartridges, two high-performance models designed to deliver extraordinary sound quality and performance in the finest turntables. The AT-ART9XI is Audio-Technicas new flagship magnetic-core moving coil cartridge, while the AT-ART9XA features a non-magnetic core construction.
Successor to the acclaimed AT-ART9, the AT-ART9XI (SRP: US$1,290) features dual moving coils aligned in an inverted V shape, which provides exceptional channel separation and imaging along with wide dynamic contrasts. The magnetic-core (iron core) cartridge employs a neodymium magnet and Permendur magnetic-alloy yoke, to optimize energy in the magnetic gap where the coils are located. This enables superior dynamic range and presence for vocals and instruments and yields an 0.5 mV output voltage. The coils are made from PCOCC (Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Cast) wire to preserve signal purity.
The AT-ART9XI has a specially-designed line contact stylus mounted on an 0.28 mm solid boron cantilever, for precise tracking and resolution of fine musical detail. The cartridge features a hybrid body made from a machined aluminum housing combined with high-rigidity polymer a configuration that ensures stable playback and minimizes unwanted resonances. The cartridge body has threaded screw holes that allow easy installation using only two mounting screws, with no mounting bolts required.
The Audio-Technica AT-ART9XA cartridge offers a host of improvements to the previous AT-ART7. Its non-magnetic-core (air core) design eliminates any magnetic distortion, allowing for a musically natural timbre along with exceptional soundstage realism and imaging. Although some non-magnetic-core cartridges can have weaker output voltages, the AT-ART9XA (SRP: US$1,290) has a newly-designed coil armature that provides an improved 0.2 mV output.
The AT-ART9XA utilizes a Shibata stylus mounted on an 0.28 mm solid boron cantilever, to deliver extraordinary musical detail and accurate tracking along with authoritative low frequency response. Like the AT-ART9XI, the AT-ART9XAs dual moving coils are aligned in a V shape for superior fidelity and the cartridge employs a neodymium magnet and Permendur yoke. Additional features include PCOCC coil wiring, a hybrid machined aluminum and high-rigidity plastic housing, threaded cartridge mounting holes and additional refinements.
The Audio-Technica AT-ART9XI dual and AT-ART9XA dual moving coil stereo phono cartridges are currently available.
