Audio Technica MC advice

[Jac Hawk]

i'm looking to have a go with MC carts, currently I'm using an Ortofon VMS30 mk II which i like a lot, but i've just upgraded my tonearm and other parts of my TT and well i just fancy getting a MC to see what all the hype's about.

I'm looking at Audio Technica in particular as i can get anything in their range through work at a huge discount, so even if i don't like it i will be able to move it on without loosing money. The 2 carts i'm interested in are the AT ART7 and the ART9, so i'd be very interested in hearing from anyone who's had either of them, what they think of them and how they compare against each other as they're roughly the same price, basically i want to get the best one for my setup, also if anyone knows of another cart in the AT range I should be considering.

[Bigman80]

I used a AT-ART7 for a little while but here what I wrote about it in 2017. I'll add a few bits marked with a *

Audio Technica AT-ART7 mc Cartridge,

A few seconds into the test track of the day, "Dire straits – Private investigations", i knew this little cart was very special indeed. The best way to describe it is to forget everything AT is synonymous with. Neutral, toppy, polite, blah, blah, blah

This cartridge is ballsy, dynamic, punchy and downright addictive!!! It delivered the drumstrike with such exhuberance that the very fine hairs on my bald head moved. I am serious!!! It was breathtakingly dynamic. Detail wasnt quite at the *extreme* level the Ortofon Vienna reached and the soundstage was slightly smaller *good and deep but width doesn't surpass the edge of the speaker* but goddam, this cartridge came very very close. It was also slightly, very slightly, maybe on the warm side *which got on my tits after a while"!!! the nylon guitar sounded snappy and full of that twang and snappy tone i look for and it just kept the pace and timing perfectly. It never got muddled or messy either. Well devoloped bass lines were easy to follow *suffer a little loss of leading edge but not enough to worry about, I'm just very sensitive to it"* and the top end was well extended. A really well balanced performance.

Karma67 has this cartridge now. He will testify to how good a cartridge it is. Strangely enough, Angus and I were discussing this cartridge the other day and the conclusion was that he had a preference for the AT OC9II. I've never heard one so can't comment from personal experience.

From a personal perspective, the AT-ART7 Was unable to dislodge the Ortofon Kontrapunkt B. I far preferred the better width of soundstage and more neutral presentation. The ART7 did however have a more "alive" sense about it.

If you can get one cheap enough, I don't see you having a problem. Just be aware of the low output.

[Jac Hawk]

Thanks for that Oliver, i'll be running it through a Firebottle OTP III phono stage which i hope will compliment whatever i choose.

Like I said, I will buy it through work which does restrict my choice to the manufacturers we have accounts with, being a pro AV firm we don't really sell cartridges so my choices are limited to those that make other equipment like mics, but at the prices I would pay it makes it a no brainer.

[Bigman80]

Thanks for that Oliver, i'll be running it through a Firebottle OTP III phono stage which i hope will compliment whatever i choose.

Like I said, I will buy it through work which does restrict my choice to the manufacturers we have accounts with, being a pro AV firm we don't really sell cartridges so my choices are limited to those that make other equipment like mics, but at the prices I would pay it makes it a no brainer.There really isn't much not to like about it. AT don't get enough credit imo and the ART7 is a very good cartridge. If it was Ortofon or Benz you'd pay twice as much.

I'd like to have heard the ART9. I believe that would suit me more but tbh, I've never heard an AT MC cartridge that delivers that leading edge on the bass in the way I like.

The AT33PTGII did the same and in a lot of ways I think pushed the ART-7 and matched it. The AT33PTGII was more neutral but again the Kontrapunkt B was my choice.

Again, I had different gear then but the jolida phonostage was very detailed and it was VERY truthful in its performance even if it was a little lean at times.

[karma67]

hi mike,
i completely agree with all Oliver said above,its a great cartridge,i have no desire to change mine at all.
when i first heard it at angus's i bought it there and then.
if you find yourself in my neck of the woods,you are most welcome to have a listen.

[bosa]

Hi Mike,

I have had the Art9 for about 9 months which replaced a Zyx Airy3. I was looking for something more dynamic and it certainly delivers. It does this in a refined way though and does not lose control. It tracks really well (in an SME IV) and was easy to set up.

Bass is tight and extended, mid bass solid - drums are hit rather than thudded. Treble is a little more forward than the Zyx and can sound a little harsh if the rest if the system allows it, however I have got it to the point of detail and lacking any harshness. Vocals are good but probably a bit further back in the soundstage than the Zyx.

Overall very pleased with this cartridge and good value, especially if you can get it at a discount.

[JohnG]

I have been in discussion about the ART 7 and have only heard positive comments and descriptions about it.
I considered buying a AT Cartridge as a result.
The ART 7 and ART 9 both have followers that will snap one up at a fair price.
I believe a ART 9 was recently imported into the UK form Australia for a £650 purchase price, I discussed this same cartridge with the vendor.
If your heavily discounted price allows a cartridge to be sold on with ease, then the ART 7 and ART 9 are both options to trial, as there should be no concerns about losing monies on the model that is not kept.
If the option was available I would not restrict myself to one Phonostage to assess a cartridge, try and loan another one or two, or loan a few SUT's.
In the past months I have been doing the above through attending Bake Off's and visiting individuals homes.
During home visits, I have experiencd the Vienna through four phonostages and One SUT model. All had a variance on how the replay was presented, it was a case of each to their own.
So subjectively the support / non support of a models audition, could easily be decided by a listener.
I auditioned my modified K'b through Two Phonostages with the same SUT model, a on another occasion a owner tweaked Bigbottle. Very soon the models that will be used on the K'b will increase.
I am biased to my K'b, I have heard very little of it in use, from memory each audition left me feeling that the strengths were being put forward, and other listeners expressed a approval of the performance.
I have heard a Factory Original K'b through Three Different Phonostages, with Two different power supplies as well as Three SUT Models.
Again each set up offers a different insight into the performance available, each replay being very good, with each configuration, allowing for a more defined focus on a particlar frequencies presence being projected.
I feel each noticable enough to be worthwhile making a reference to.
The ART 7 and ART 9 will only really find their place in a system when the supporting interface devices are selectively chosen to fine tune them to your personal preference.
Start with the fair priced AT Cartridges available, but imo this is the first step, there is a much better personal taste in a replay produced, when other interface devices are worked with.

[Jac Hawk]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice, i know the only real way to decide is to have a listen and that means either attending bake offs and hope someone has one or go to a shop and ask for an audition, personally my moral compass wouldn't let me take the 2nd as i would have no intention in buying the cart from them.

As i've already said i'm in the fortunate position to be able to get one through work, that price from Australia is very keen John, but i can still beat it by a fair margin:eyebrows::eyebrows::) i think i'm leaning towards the ART9 although from the comments there isn't a great deal to choose between them and it's more about personal taste . i find it strange the AT make 2 very similar carts that are competing at very similar prices.

[Cycleallday]

I use the AT33ev and OC9II with my Audiomods arm and both suit it beautifully. I never feel the desire to move further up the range. Ironically i moved away from a Kontra b to where I am now and doubt i would move back to the Ortofon sound. But hey, we all like different sounds and none are better - just different.

mel

[Bigman80]

I use the AT33ev and OC9II with my Audiomods arm and both suit it beautifully. I never feel the desire to move further up the range. Ironically i moved away from a Kontra b to where I am now and doubt i would move back to the Ortofon sound. But hey, we all like different sounds and none are better - just different.

melExactly right Mel, it's all about how much the person listening enjoys the sound. There is no "one size fits all'.

[karma67]

here's a good thread discussing both.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?33964-Audio-Technica-ATOC9-MLII-vs-AT33PTG-vs-AT33EV

[graham67]

Hi jac,
I had a chat with the AT rep at Bristol and he recommended the Art 7 for classical and the Art 9 for rock, pop.
The higher gain of the 9 also makes it a bit easier to match if you want to experiment with SUTs
I am sure you will enjoy whichever you purchase :-)

[Barry]

I never think it's a good recommendation if one model is considered to be good for 'classical', and another for 'rock, pop' etc. A good cartridge should be able to reproduce anything cut into the record groove with equal ability.

[karma67]

barry id take that statement with a pinch of salt,i play all types of music and i excels in all genre's.
if its true id like to know how the cartridge knows what type of music its playing lol

[Bigman80]

barry id take that statement with a pinch of salt,i play all types of music and i excels in all genre's.
if its true id like to know how the cartridge knows what type of music its playing lolTotally agree. I never found it wanting for anything with any material I threw at it. It *maybe* sounded at it best with acoustic guitar and vocals. The Starsailor album "Love is here" absolutely flowed like syrup out of the speakers using a Modified Tron Convergence & ART-7. It's a sound that I still remember to this day.

If I were to revisit this manufacturer, I think I'd get the 9. It's better, from what I've read, at neutrality according to user reports. Thats the only area I wasnt really struck with. It is a slightly warm cartridge but for £1k new, Its superb.

[Jac Hawk]

I never think it's a good recommendation if one model is considered to be good for 'classical', and another for 'rock, pop' etc. A good cartridge should be able to reproduce anything cut into the record groove with equal ability.

100% agree Barry, a good cart is a godd cart regardless of the music

[DiveDeepDog]

Buy the one that suits the phono stage. I’ve another very low output AT, and an art 9. On “normal “ phono stages 0.1mv output makes the noise noticeable, the Art9 is a healthy 0.3.

[alcarmichael]

Shotgun on the ART-9 if you get it and it isn't for you :D

[Bigbird]

Ive recently bought the Art 9 and it is a suberb piece of kit. I had the ortofon rondo bronze before and this adds a bigger soundstage , more detail, more holographic and more dynamics. Its massively underpriced IMO so a bit of a bargain at 8-900 new. I was lucky enough to get one with 40ish hours on it so got it half retail price, and its taken about another 30hrs to open up fully but its firing on all cylinders now and a great match for my whest 2.2. (65db ,100ohm same as firebottle) which is only a cats knacker better than the OTP I had too, so i think it would be a great pairing. Buy with confidence but do give it some time to fully work its magic


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[chipcalzada]

Hi, I've never personally heard an ART 9 or 7 but I currently have a AT33 PTGii, which was my first MC cart and I think it sounds really great given the price point. Set-up was not easy due to the dizzyingly thin micro-linear stylus, so much so that I had to call in a pro to set it up using his smart protractor for a reasonable fee. Once it was locked in though I was amazed at the improvement in sound, texture and imaging as well as information retrieval. Prior to the proper alignment and set-up I was going through buyers remorse because I thought that my previous cart, an AT440mla MM sounded more lively and had better bass slam.

Admittedly, my understanding of cart alignment and set-up was quite basic to begin with so if you have a firm grasp on it then I think that whatever AT MC cart you end up with will be most rewarding as AT makes great MC cartridges.

[Bigbird]

Yes they are fussy to setup as you say, the stylus is so small its almost invisisble to the naked eye, once locked in though they are magical .


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[Jac Hawk]

Thanks for the advice guys, I think the ART9 is going to be the one I go for, I noticed that someone who has a room at the WAM show is running one so I'm going to make a bee line for their room and have a listen

[Jac Hawk]

The ART9 arrives tomorrow, I could do with some advice on how to best match it to my Audiomods Series 5 arm

[Bigman80]

The ART9 arrives tomorrow, I could do with some advice on how to best match it to my Audiomods Series 5 armWhat do you mean by match it?

[Jac Hawk]

OK so the arm has a bag with extra head weights and a variable mass counterweight, I'll need to match the new cart and alter the mass of the tonearm with the weights so there's some synergy, or am I just spouting crap

[Bigman80]

OK so the arm has a bag with extra head weights and a variable mass counterweight, I'll need to match the new cart and alter the mass of the tonearm with the weights so there's some synergy, or am I just spouting crapWell, the usual rule of thumb for cartridges is making sure the weight is closer to the pivot what the end of the arm.

So, if the cart is heavy and the weight is nearly off the stub, you need to go heavier. If the cart is light, and the weight is right up to the pivot, go a bit lighter with the weight.

There is a theory that the closer your weight is to the pivot, the better sound you will get. That said, I only have one weight, it's near the rear of the arm and think it's just perfect lol

[p147]

The ART9 arrives tomorrow, I could do with some advice on how to best match it to my Audiomods Series 5 arm

Let us know how you get on as I am thinking of getting one of these.

[Jac Hawk]

Let us know how you get on as I am thinking of getting one of these.
Arm or cartridge?

[p147]

Arm or cartridge?

Cartridge.

[DiveDeepDog]

My fault,I made a comment on FB. Add the heavy ally weight and it'll sing. If your unsure/not trusting, fit with nothing and blutack the weight on top to try. I started with OC9 and PTG's. When I first got the arm found it bass light, adding the weight filled it out.

You heard my Art9 at Kegworth, look at the specs of the arm (Mission Mechanic) the mismatch is off the scale, yet I still put another 3g of brass nuts, not a lot of this makes sense. See below:lol:

I know, for years we've been told to get the weight near the bearing, drop the weight to put it in the same plane as the cart, but if you read Jeff's 'literature' he doesn't agree. Can't say I've made scientific tests to the theory, but with weights at the head end there isn't much choice.

*Jeff uses constrained lead counterweight, very similar to the Zeta and Mechanic.
**Just off to check Audiomods literature, memory plays games :eyebrows:

Copied form AM site

"A good indicator of when extra mass is needed is the bass performance. If bass seems light, try adding one of the headshell shims."

[graham67]

Thanks for the advice guys, I think the ART9 is going to be the one I go for, I noticed that someone who has a room at the WAM show is running one so I'm going to make a bee line for their room and have a listen

i thought the wam show system (I think it was spiders?) running the art 9 was impeccably balanced. Plenty of detail without being analytical. it had body and was nimble.

I would love to try this cart one day.

Graham

[DiveDeepDog]

i thought the wam show system (I think it was spiders?) running the art 9 was impeccably balanced. Plenty of detail without being analytical. it had body and was nimble.

I would love to try this cart one day.

Graham

Art 9 on the 301 was mine, we had 2 rooms as a consortium .Everybody remembers Spider :lol:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4848/47409686721_55325415ea_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2fer38K)IMG_5197 (https://flic.kr/p/2fer38K) by mark leatherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49381909@N08/), on Flickr

and at home;

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7924/46635998084_de8c4165b3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu)IMG_5149 (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu) by mark leatherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49381909@N08/), on Flickr

[Jac Hawk]

Sounds great, plenty of bass without the need for any shims which I wasn’t expecting and a very very big soundstage, I’ll write a more once I’ve had time to listen to a few LP’s so for now some cartridge porn

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb371/jachawk9000/Mobile%20Uploads/0F299D32-1621-484C-996B-C4DBAA1F57C5.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/jachawk9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/0F299D32-1621-484C-996B-C4DBAA1F57C5.jpg.html)http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb371/jachawk9000/Mobile%20Uploads/B7133FF5-A56D-45BE-BC72-CDE830984679.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/jachawk9000/media/Mobile%20Uploads/B7133FF5-A56D-45BE-BC72-CDE830984679.jpg.html)

[Bigman80]

Lovely. Well done!

[p147]

Very Nice.
Can you tell me I am sure I read somewhere that it had tapped/threaded lugs thereby doing away with the nuts, can you please confirm.
Thanks

[Jac Hawk]

Very Nice.
Can you tell me I am sure I read somewhere that it had tapped/threaded lugs thereby doing away with the nuts, can you please confirm.
Thanks

Unfortunately and annoyingly Audio Technica don’t thread the mounting lugs and for the life of me I can’t imagine why cos they are a real pain in the backside to attach to the head shell especially a fix one like mine

[graham67]

Lovely jac ��
Agree with your comments about the mounting, I try to minimise changing AT carts on my fixed headshell too....

[carruthersesq]

Looks terrific Mike. Will be waiting for full review when you’ve had chance to get some serious listening completed.

[Jac Hawk]

The story so far................
So initially I asked for advice between 2 Audio Technica cartridges the Art 7 & the Art 9 as I was looking to step into the MC arena and I could get any AT cart at a discounted price. So after some valuable advice and then listening to an Art 9 at Kegworth I ordered the Art 9 as I thought it would best fit into my system and the music I favor.

It arrived Friday and I must tell you what a pain in the arse it was to fit, I mean AT really £950 list price and you don't thread the mounting lugs but instead supply a little bag with nuts and bolts, this really needs addressing. Aside from that it was relatively easy to set up and within an hour or so it was pumpin out the toonz.

My initial observation was that my Ortofon VMS30 MK2 is a really good cart, as the Art 9 was only marginally better, but as the weekend has moved along the Art 9 has definitely started to stretch its legs, to start with wow what a soundstage, instruments are literally coming from all directions, better definition so that each instrument can be picked out of the huge soundstage, the bass wow it goes all the way down but still remains clear and doesn't swamp things and the mid range and top end draw you in, I've literally heard instruments that I couldn't hear through the VMS30.
Here's a list of my evaluation material :

Elton John Captain fantastic and the brown dirt cowboy
Dave Brubeck Time out
Womack & Womack Love Wars
Galactic Ya ka may
ZZ Top Eliminator
Howard Jones Cross that Line
Roxy Music Siren
Phil Collins Face Value

So up to now am I happy, most definitely
:):)

[carruthersesq]

Great news Mike, looks like you have made a good choice.

[graham67]

Nice one jac. in my experience, AT carts really do benefit from running in so i have no doubt it will sound even better soon. I feel your pain on mounting. Today i fitted an OC9 on my audio note arm Three with gossamer thin wires. Big injection of nerves needed :uhho:

[chipcalzada]

Great review, I was considering getting a Hana SL as my next upgrade but after reading your observations I'm now considering the ART 9 since I'm a big fan of AT.

[Jac Hawk]

Choosing the "right" cartridge is like other hifi equipment very subjective, so once you have achieve a base level of quality i think the waters start to get very murky, as what i might find appealing someone else wont, my advice will always be to hear one if you can

[chipcalzada]

Fair point. It just seems logical for me to consider the Art 9 as my next cart upgrade since my last 2 carts have been AT's. In my imagination, the Art 9 does everything my AT33 PTGii does well, but much better.

[carruthersesq]

Hi Mike
How is the Art9 settling in now it’s been mounted for a few weeks? Is it getting better and better?

[Jac Hawk]

Hi Mike
How is the Art9 settling in now it’s been mounted for a few weeks? Is it getting better and better?

Ok so i'm not going to try and be all wine critique on you, basically when i first put the Art 9 on and got it set up just right, which was straight forward enough if a bit fiddly due to the body of the cart not being threaded it was marginally better than the Ortofon VMS30 mk2 it replaced, nothing you could put your finger on just the whole presentation was better. Obviously i'd read that this cart needed about 30 + hrs of run in time for it to shine and i knew the VMS30 was itself a damn good cart, so i wasn't too bothered that the difference wasn't night and day.

My taste in music is basically anything apart from classical, so Jazz, Blues, RnB, Pop, Rock is what i play and i selected 4 different LP's that i know very well and i've played each at about 5 to 8 hr intervals, these baseline LP's are as follows:

Dave Brubeck Time out
ZZ Top Eliminator
Womack & Womack Love Wars
Fleetwood Mac Rumours

As i said i know these LP's extremely well so any difference or change in the sound i'd notice. As i said straight out of the box the sound was marginally better, then after about ten hrs i noticed when listening to the Time out LP that the sound seemed to stretch beyond the room and the whole presentation took on a more 3D quality so that you could tell that the drums were at the back left, piano was mid right and Sax was front centre. After about 14 or 15 hrs i was playing The Chain off Fleetwood Mac rumours the bass was so well defined and deep with the bass drum sounding more realistic than i'd ever heard before and the bass guitar was delivered in bucket loads almost as if it was actually being played in front of me. Again at about 20 hrs listening time i noticed when playing ZZ Top Eliminator how musical it was and how the instruments sounded more realistic, Womack & Womack Love Wars title track just sounded bigger, better, sharper and more once again musical than i've ever heard before. To date i've probably got 34 hrs on the cart and i must say it doesn't disappoint high hats and cymbals are the most recent thing i've noticed to a point where they have a sustain that carries on and on and a more focused metallic quality without sounding harsh or unnatural.

To sum up, it's a fantastic cart no doubt about that at all and now it's run in some what, it's in a different league to my old VMS30. I know Audio Technica have quality issues with these and probably other carts so it pays to check them out for straight cantilevers and tip mounting as quickly as you can, but if you get a good one they are unbelievably good.

[carruthersesq]

Thanks for the update Mike. I think I will put it on my future journey along this madness we enjoy so much.

[chipcalzada]

AT does that really well. Cymbals and high hats sound so real, what is your VTA setting? Level or tail up? I've read that the AT PTGii benefits from slightly tail up, was wondering if its the same for the ART9.

[Jac Hawk]

AT does that really well. Cymbals and high hats sound so real, what is your VTA setting? Level or tail up? I've read that the AT PTGii benefits from slightly tail up, was wondering if its the same for the ART9.

with the Audiomods arm you can adjust the VTA on the fly and to be honest I’ve tried flat all the way through to tail up and to be totally honest I don’t see a massive difference.

[bosa]

Glad you’re enjoying it. Some people seem to think that the Art9 needs 200 hours on it to fully bed in but I found after about 50 hours it was great and did not improve significantly after that. I agree that nuts and bolts are fiddly and I couldn’t use my Soundsmith easy bolts as they were too short.

Enjoy.

[DiveDeepDog]

Nut solution :eek:
https://live.staticflickr.com/7924/46635998084_de8c4165b3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu)IMG_5149 (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu) by mark leatherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49381909@N08/), on Flickr

I agree with comments here, AT's get better the more you pay. I'm more than happy with PTG or an OC9, but the Art 9 just lifts the game. As a fan I nearly bought Jamies Art 7.

[Bigbird]

Great to hear youve hit the jackpot with the Art 9. I too echo those sentiments and beleive its one of the best carts ive heard at any price. Super value
Mine too needed a fair while to settle in. I rekon around the 60-70hr mark its magic really came through. Before that there wasnt much in it with my Ortofon rondo bronze. Now when I listen to the bronze, which is set up on my father in laws system , its night and day in a different league.


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[chipcalzada]

with the Audiomods arm you can adjust the VTA on the fly and to be honest I’ve tried flat all the way through to tail up and to be totally honest I don’t see a massive difference.

Thank you for the feedback. Will have to do my own experimenting when my Audiomods tonearm arrives.

[oldius]

Audiomods and AT are a good match. The VMS30 is also an excellent cartridge. I hope you enjoy it.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[karma67]

Nut solution :eek:
https://live.staticflickr.com/7924/46635998084_de8c4165b3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu)IMG_5149 (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu) by mark leatherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49381909@N08/), on Flickr

I agree with comments here, AT's get better the more you pay. I'm more than happy with PTG or an OC9, but the Art 9 just lifts the game. As a fan I nearly bought Jamies Art 7.

Mark i never get tired of looking at that arm!

[p147]

Nut solution :eek:
https://live.staticflickr.com/7924/46635998084_de8c4165b3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu)IMG_5149 (https://flic.kr/p/2e44Fsu) by mark leatherland (https://www.flickr.com/photos/49381909@N08/), on Flickr

I agree with comments here, AT's get better the more you pay. I'm more than happy with PTG or an OC9, but the Art 9 just lifts the game. As a fan I nearly bought Jamies Art 7.

I am just about to order one of these ART-9 cartridges, but can anyone tell me do you get the fixings with it and are they long enough to receive the knurled screw-heads as shown in the photo? if not then where can they be bought?
Thanks

[DiveDeepDog]

I suspect I used the bolts that came with the nuts (ebay @£13.99). The AT nuts n bolts are a different thread, 2.7mm instead of more usual M2.5.

[karma67]

I am just about to order one of these ART-9 cartridges, but can anyone tell me do you get the fixings with it and are they long enough to receive the knurled screw-heads as shown in the photo? if not then where can they be bought?
Thanks

The nut and bolt store in Portland rd hove :)

[p147]

The nut and bolt store in Portland rd hove :)

Thanks, Been there many a time when I had my business in Brighton, Always had what I was after.

[Jac Hawk]

Yes you get 2 sets of bolts (slotted screw head) short and long a set of washers and round slotted nuts, as i've said it would have been much better if the body of the cart was threaded, although i guess AT do it like that because their headshells are threaded. Fitting is an absolute ball ache on a fixed head arm, i've not used them but i would suspect that the knurled nuts that Mark uses will make things a bit easier however be careful when getting new bolts as the available space on the cart for the head of the bolt is incredibly small, the supplied nuts and bolts only fit one way as the nuts are too big so you can't bolt top down if that makes sense.

once you've overcome that pain point and got the cart set up (in my experience getting it set up with null points, VTA etc. is relatively easy, but don't forget the washers as they make it easier to gently adjust the cart when setting the null points) it does need time to bed in, so be prepared to be a bit under whelmed. i'd recommend using recordings you're very familiar with an play them at 8 or 9 hourly intervals and you'll be amazed at how the sound improves.

[graham67]

Angus (phonomac) can supply the correct m2.6 bolts and nuts in various lengths. They are very good quality.

[p147]

Received the Art-9 yesterday, Set up today and even straight out of the box it sounds so much better than my old Kiseki which was great anyway.

[Jac Hawk]

An arty picture of my ART9

https://ibb.co/LCqRWTThttps://i.ibb.co/zSLxY33/DSC-0414-2.jpg

https://ibb.co/LCqRWTT

[chipcalzada]

Great shot :) hoping to get one some time next year to replace my PTG.

[Jac Hawk]

I would highly recommend it Chip, the synergy with the Audiomods arm is superb