Question: What are the key features of the AT-ART20 phono cartridge?
Answer: The AT-ART20 utilizes our magnetic core design to achieve extraordinary musical realism. Complementing its superlative vinyl playback performance, the cartridge has a striking, distinctive contoured appearance.
AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge
Newly designed magnetic circuit improves the cartridge’s efficiency
Based on the magnetic circuit of the popular AT-ART9XI cartridge, but employing a thicker front yoke, magnetic flux density is improved for the AT-ART20. By increasing efficiency, an even more realistic sound quality is achieved. Output voltage is improved by more than 15% without increasing the number of turns for the wire used to construct the coils, which can increase mass and impedance. Output level is a respectable 0.55 mV.
Lighter and more responsive with a new stylus/cantilever assembly
The cartridge employs a nude special line contact diamond stylus fixed to a boron cantilever. The special line contact shape provides premium high-frequency response with minimal inner-groove distortion for consistent reproduction across the entire record. The shape also causes very little abrasion, resulting in low tracing distortion, long stylus life and low record wear. A rectangular-shaped stylus shank mounts the stylus to the cantilever, ensuring precise alignment of the stylus with the record groove. The reduced mass of the rectangular shank, which is half the weight of our square shanks, results in improved transient and frequency response. The cantilever, measuring just 0.28 mm in diameter, is attached to the armature using a stepped-pipe type construction, which provides increased rigidity and strength with decreased resonance for a purer audio signal with clearer, more detailed sound. As in the flagship model of the ART Series, the AT-ART1000, titanium is used for the stylus tip reinforcement plate. The use of this material reduces overall stylus assembly mass and improves the cartridge’s high-frequency performance. The AT-ART20 cartridge extracts an enormous amount of information from the record groove with high resolution.
High-quality terminal pins with thick gold plating
The thickness of the gold-plated portion of the pins has been increased to approximately 30 times that of conventional pins to reduce contact resistance.
Precision-machined titanium housing with polished finish
By utilizing advanced cutting and polishing techniques, Audio-Technica has achieved an organic design with a beautifully curved, strong surface that was unattainable until now. The combination of this design and these techniques has made it possible to reduce the thickness of the titanium, helping to keep the mass of the housing low. The unique combination of titanium for the body, combined with an aluminum base and elastomer under cover provides a significant reduction in resonance and total mass. The cartridge body has threaded holes, allowing easy installation to a headshell or integrated tonearm.
If you have any questions about the AT-ART20 cartridge, please contact the Audio Solutions Department.