Audio Technica AT-OC9XML MC cartridge

Audio Technica's OC-9 series has been operating with undiminished success for over thirty years. After many years, it is still a reference for several music lovers, professionals, and journalists across the world!

Motivated by the analogue come back, the Japanese manufacturer launches the 4th generation of the OC-9 series, represented by 5 low output MC cartridges.

The Audio Technica AT-OC9XML cartridge is the third model of the range.

AUDIO TECHNICA AT-OC9XML: BODY AND COILS

The body of the phono cartridge is cut into very strong aluminium that reduces unwanted resonances.

The AT-OC9X cartridges are all composed around a generator equipped with a high quality double coil made of copper (PCOCC). This very pure copper ensures a signal without distortion and few coloration.

The structure of the moving coils offers a large frequency response as well as an excellent left/right channel separation, which enables excellent stereo image.

The AT-OC9XML is equipped with Permendur yoke to improve the magnetic energy of the magnets. These provide an important magnetic field of excellent quality.

AUDIO TECHNICA AT-OC9XML: STYLUS

The AT-OC9XML cartridge is equipped with a low mass microlinear stylus, associated with a boron cantilever.

This stylus with a complex profile follows the modulation of the groove with higher precision than an elliptical stylus. It offers a higher frequency response, while reducing surface noises and distortion in high frequencies.

AUDIO TECHNICA AT-OC9XML: ASSEMBLY AND COMPATIBILITY

To facilitate the assembly on the headshell, the AT-OC9XML has a body equipped with threaded inserts. This offers a real mechanical advantage.

However, it makes this phono cartridge incompatible with bottom-mount headshells, such as the old Thorens or Lenco turntables.

Its weight and its rather high compliance make this Audio Technica AT-OC9XML adapted for medium and low weight tonearms.

Its output level requires a MC phono preamplifier, having a minimum of 62 dB gain and 100 ohms load.

AUDIO TECHNICA AT-OC9XML: TEST AND LISTENING

The restitution is into the pure tradition of OC9 cartridges from the Japanese manufacturer. By the way, we find several common points with the AT-OC9ML/II cartridge.

The listening is rhythmical, articulated, and very nuanced.

The transients are surprising and give a lot of life as well as excellent realism on acoustic instruments, drums and strings.

With the AT-OC9XML cartridge, we also find a very transparent and precise bass. It goes very low, continuously with a lot of definition. The mid-range and high notes offer a huge clarity and a beautiful presence.

There is a large amount of air between each instrument that allows you to differentiate them easily.

The voices are realistic and give the impression that the performers are singing in your living room!

This Audio Technica AT-OC9XML MC cartridge fully meets the expectations of the majority of music lovers, and this at a very aggressive price!

Recommended!