The Flagship of Audio-Technica's OC9X Dual Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge Series: Pure-Sounding AT-OC9XSL Tracks LP Grooves with Surgical Accuracy, Features Nude Special Line-Contact Stylus

The flagship moving-coil phono cartridge in Audio-Technica's OC9X Series, AT-OC9XSL, works on every front to deliver scintillating analog playback. Just consider: Its independent coils – made from the Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process (PCOCC) – in both the left and right channels afford remarkable channel separation. What's more, the reverse V-shaped formation of the coils alignment ensures they exert less pressure on the stylus, minimizing distortion. Meanwhile, AT-OC9XSL's aluminum body reduces unwanted vibration, leading to purer tonality and naturalism. Tracking, too, remains a speciality, with AT-OC9XSL digging deep into LP grooves and extracting oodles of information all the while retaining a surgical accuracy.

Equipped with a nude special line-contact stylus on a boron cantilever, AT-OC9XSL also employs a neodymium magnet and premium permendur yoke with high-saturation flux density and outstanding magnetic properties to enhance the concentrated magnetic field of the coil gap. You'll get on a first-name basis with alluring transient responsiveness, full-range dynamics, and smooth-as-white-chocolate richness. Plus, AT-OC9XSH exists as proof that outstanding analog doesn't need to be difficult. Its pre-threaded body means the cartridge can be mounted onto the headshell or tonearm with just two screws. A non-magnetic screwdriver, two washers, installation screws, plastic protector, and brush are also included in this stellar analog package.

Measured with a frequency response range of 20-50kHz and able to sync with virtually any MC phono preamplifier, AT-OC9XSL makes analog playback a repeatedly transcendent experience.

"[The] AT-OC9XSL warrants an extremely high recommendation. It is a true breakthrough in sonic and musical communication at an affordable price. It does it all."
—Paul Szabady, Stereo Times

"Prepare a checklist for all the technical features that you want a phono cartridge to possess, and the AT-OC9XSL checks them all off, running the gamut with impressive technical and mechanical specifications.... Calling it ultra-resolution and ultra-detailed would not be hyperbolic. The cartridge sounds incredibly fast, with extremely accurate tracking of the complete transient envelope of each note: Attack, sustain, and decay are exemplary."
—Paul Szabady, Stereo Times