Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II Phono Cartridge
489,00 €
The Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II is a moving-coil phono cartridge for a vinyl system with a compatible MC phono input. Its MicroLine stylus reaches less accessible areas of the record groove and tracks high frequencies accurately. The 0.4 mV output signal requires an MC phono stage. Its 1/2-inch mount is intended for tonearms that support this standard. The standard 1.5 g tracking force provides a clear starting point for setup.
The Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II phono cartridge is a dual moving-coil model designed for accurate vinyl playback. It uses two mounting holes spaced 1/2 inch apart from centre to centre and weighs 8.0 g. An MC phono stage is required.
The MicroLine stylus reaches areas of the record groove that styli with other profiles may not reach. This profile is designed for accurate high-frequency tracking. The cartridge has a frequency response of 15 to 50,000 Hz.
Who this cartridge is for
This moving-coil phono cartridge requires an MC phono stage. It is suitable for a turntable with a tonearm that supports the standard 1/2-inch mounting format. The tonearm must also allow an 8.0 g cartridge to be balanced correctly.
This is the second-generation AT-OC9 model. It was later replaced by the AT-OC9XML, so the two model designations should not be confused.
Stylus and body construction
The nude, square-shank stylus is attached to a gold-plated solid boron cantilever. Stylus movement is transferred to a dual moving-coil system. The cartridge body is made from aluminium.
The body measures 17.3 mm high, 16.8 mm wide and 25.7 mm long. Cartridge height is particularly relevant when using a tonearm with limited adjustment. The cartridge must be installed so that its stylus geometry matches the alignment protractor specified for the turntable.
Installation and initial setup
Mounting screws in two lengths are included. Select the 13.5 or 18 mm screws according to the thickness of the headshell. Two washers help the mounting parts seat neatly and securely. The non-magnetic screwdriver is intended for installation work close to the cartridge coils.
The recommended tracking-force range is 1.25-1.75 g. Begin setup at the standard value of 1.5 g. Make any subsequent adjustment only within the stated range, while checking how reliably the stylus tracks the record groove.
The vertical tracking angle is 23°. Tonearm height, cartridge alignment and tracking force are separate adjustments. Incorrect alignment should not be compensated for by increasing the tracking force.
After setting the tracking force, adjust the tonearm’s anti-skating control. Follow the values on the turntable’s scale and check tracking with the record being played.
Connecting the cartridge to an audio system
The 0.4 mV output voltage is specified at 1 kHz and a velocity of 5 cm/s. This is a low-level signal and must not be connected directly to a conventional line-level amplifier input.
If a stereo amplifier has a suitable MC phono input, its built-in phono stage can accept the cartridge signal. A system equipped only with an MM input requires a separate MC phono preamplifier. The line-level output from that phono preamplifier is then connected to a line input on the amplifier.
The 12 Ω coil impedance is not a loudspeaker-load rating. This cartridge must not be assessed according to the 4-8 Ω figures commonly associated with amplifiers or loudspeakers.
Compliance and tonearm selection
Static compliance is 35 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn. Dynamic compliance is 9 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn when measured at 100 Hz. These figures should not be compared directly because they are determined under different conditions.
Tonearm and cartridge resonance depends on the cartridge compliance, its 8.0 g mass and the effective mass of the tonearm. The mounting standard alone is therefore not enough to determine whether the mechanical characteristics of a tonearm are appropriate.
Use in stereo and home cinema systems
In both stereo and home cinema systems, the cartridge must be used through an MC phono stage. The available connection arrangements are explained in detail above.
Stylus care and replacement
The stylus mechanism cannot be replaced separately by the user. When the stylus becomes worn, the entire cartridge must be replaced. The supplied brush is intended for regular care, while the plastic protector helps shield the stylus when the cartridge is being handled.
Technical specifications
| Type | Dual moving-coil phono cartridge |
|---|---|
| Mounting | 1/2-inch mount |
| Frequency response | 15-50,000 Hz |
| Output voltage | 0.4 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/s |
| Stylus profile | MicroLine |
| Stylus construction | Nude, square shank |
| Cantilever | Gold-plated solid boron |
| Vertical tracking angle | 23° |
| Tracking-force range | 1.25-1.75 g |
| Standard tracking force | 1.5 g |
| Coil impedance | 12 Ω at 1 kHz |
| Coil inductance | 25 µH at 1 kHz |
| DC resistance | 12 Ω |
| Static compliance | 35 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn |
| Dynamic compliance | 9 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn at 100 Hz |
| Body material | Aluminium |
| Dimensions | 17.3 × 16.8 × 25.7 mm, height × width × length |
| Weight | 8.0 g |
| Stylus replacement | The stylus cannot be replaced separately; the entire cartridge must be replaced |
| Included accessories | Non-magnetic screwdriver, brush, two washers, two 13.5 mm screws, two 18 mm screws and plastic stylus protector |
FAQ
What type of phono input does this cartridge require?
An MC phono input or an external MC phono preamplifier is required. The connection arrangements are explained in detail above.
Will this cartridge fit my turntable?
The tonearm must support the 1/2-inch mounting standard and an 8.0 g cartridge mass. Its cartridge-alignment and height-adjustment ranges are also important.
What tracking force should I use for the initial setup?
Begin with the standard value of 1.5 g. If necessary, adjust it within the 1.25-1.75 g range without changing the cartridge alignment.
Can I replace only the worn stylus?
No. The stylus mechanism cannot be replaced separately from the cartridge, so the entire cartridge must be replaced when the stylus is worn.
Can the cartridge be used with a home cinema amplifier?
Yes. The cartridge signal must first be converted to line level before being sent to an analogue input on the AV amplifier.
Which length of mounting screw should I use?
Choose the 13.5 or 18 mm screws according to the thickness of the headshell. The screw must hold the parts securely without interfering with the tonearm mechanism.
Are the AT-OC9ML/II and AT-OC9XML the same model?
No. The AT-OC9ML/II is the second-generation model. The AT-OC9XML is the later model that replaced the AT-OC9ML/II.
