Audio-Technica AT-ART20 Dual MC Phono Cartridge Offers Ultra-Precise Tracking to Deliver the Full Sonic Spectrum Accurately, with Stunning Detail and Lifelike Imaging

The Audio-Technica AT-ART20 provides everything you want in a moving-coil phono cartridge, including rich spatial imaging to convey the original environment of the performance captured on the recording. The AT-ART20 offers ultra-precise tracking that accurately delivers the full sonic spectrum, with extended high-frequency response and detailed, authentic low frequencies so that the human voice and all instrumentation are reproduced with clarity, nuance, and impressive dynamics—regardless of the volume at which you are listening.

The engineering team at Audio-Technica worked diligently to design a top-of-the-line dual MC phono cartridge that would offer a new level of analog sound. The thickness of the AT-ART20's gold-plated portion has been increased to approximately 30 times that of conventional products to reduce contact resistance.

Premium materials were used throughout: an aluminum base, titanium housing, and elastomer undercover. This specific combination of materials minimizes resonance for optimal sound. Furthermore, titanium was selected for the tip reinforcement plate that holds the diamond tip in place. This design approach reduces mass while also improving the high-frequency characteristics.

Based on the magnetic circuit of the AT-ART9XI, the front yoke is now 0.6mm (0.024″) thicker to improve magnetic flux density. Additionally, the output voltage has been improved by more than 15%—without increasing the number of coil turns (a factor that can increase mass and impedance).

As a top-of-the-line MC cartridge, the AT-ART20 transmits an astonishing amount of information with high resolution. As a result, you can experience previously unheard details on your favorite albums—along with more precise imaging and wider dynamics.

Superlative Sound Reproduction

The AT-ART20 is part of Audio-Technica's acclaimed ART Series. As with previous magnetic core cartridges in this high-end lineup, the company had two main goals: to provide superlative analog sound reproduction and optimize the performance and benefits of a magnetic core cartridge. By utilizing the best materials and incorporating advanced processing techniques, Audio-Technica has created a magnetic core moving-coil cartridge that is optimally structured to reproduce sound with unparalleled clarity and tremendous expressiveness.

Long Stylus Life

A nude special line contact stylus is used to provide premium high-frequency response with minimal inner-groove distortion for consistent reproduction across the entire record. The special line contact shape also causes very little abrasion, resulting in long stylus life and low record wear. A rectangular shank mounts the stylus to the cantilever, ensuring precise alignment with the record groove and reducing mass to improve transient and frequency response (20 – 50,000 Hz). In addition, a stepped pipe structure is used, connecting the cantilever and armature, increasing rigidity, which improves the strength of the cantilever and suppresses unwanted vibrations.

Unique Japanese Design

Utilizing the advanced cutting and polishing technologies cultivated in the eyeglass industry of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture—which has a history dating back more than 100 years—Audio-Technica has crafted an organic design with a beautifully curved surface that has never been seen in a cartridge before. The combination of this design and advanced cutting technology has also made it possible to reduce the thickness of the titanium, resulting in significant weight reduction.