Audio Technica AT-ART1000X Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Cartridge

This next-generation cartridge takes the philosophy and design of the innovation AT-ART1000 to a new level, with a more refined direct power system for improved efficiency and enhanced bass reproduction. Developed and manufactured in Japan, utilizing cutting-edge materials and design elements, the AT-ART1000X delivers the ultimate listening experience to audiophiles around the world.

The AT-ART1000X has been designated an Audio-Technica Excellence Product, a recognition that identifies products that meet Audio-Technica's highest standards of high-fidelity performance.

Like its predecessor, the AT-ART1000X features a direct power system that places the dual moving coil directly above the stylus tip, ensuring that the audio quality does not suffer the negative effects normally introduced by the cantilever's length and material type. Having the coils move in such close proximity to the stylus tip allows the cartridge to vividly render even the most subtle sonic details and provide unsurpassed transient response. The newly developed coils for this model are rectangular, however, not round, in order to position more of their surface area in the magnetic field. This enables the cartridge to more accurately reproduce strong modulations, resulting in improved output voltage and an expanded low-frequency range.

Each non-magnetic core coil is constructed of 20 µm (0.79 mil) diameter PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) wire handwound eight turns to create a 1.1 mm × 0.6 mm (0.043" × 0.024") rectangle. The coils are contained in ultra-thin 25 µm (0.98 mil) special film and placed in the tiny 0.5 mm (0.020") gap of a powerful magnetic circuit, enabling each coil to generate an output voltage of 0.22 mV with a coil impedance of 3.5 O, despite having a non-magnetic core.

The AT-ART1000X retains the high-performance line contact stylus and solid boron cantilever from the previous model to ensure an extremely accurate reading of the record groove. The base that supports the specialized magnetic circuit and vibration system is made from titanium. This sturdy base is instrumental in providing consistent playback, and works in combination with the cartridge's hard plastic cover and aluminum housing to disperse resonance that negatively affects the sound quality. A special coating protects the magnetic circuit from corrosion for stable performance throughout the life of the cartridge.

Finally, the body of this model features threaded mounting holes, making the cartridge much easier to install. The included screws alone are enough to mount the cartridge to a headshell or integrated tonearm.

Accessories Included:

• Case (wooden box)
• Non-magnetic screwdriver
• Washer × 2
• Protector
• Cartridge installation screws (M2.6) (5.0 mm × 2, 8.0 mm × 2, 10.0 mm × 2, 12.0 mm × 2)
• Brush

Yes, it's 'fast' and as 'direct' as the tech suggests, but it never asserts its character and instead gets out of the way as well if not better than most cartridges currently available that I've heard. If you get a listen I challenge you to define its tonal character, or its transient character and more to the point, can you hear any flaws or deficiencies whatsoever? Because I didn't.