Audio Technica AT-OC9ML/II - any fans or users here ?
- Thread starter MisterDK
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MisterDK
Addicted Member
I’m currently waiting for one of these in the mail. Should be interesting to compare it to my VM540ML!
I’d like to see what you think after comparing them. I was actually considering the VM750SH at the same time as the OC9ML/II, but I wanted to move toward a low-output MC. The OC9ML/II isn’t super-low, but in the range I was thinking about (thinking next may be a Kiseki w/ similar output).
Still want to upgrade my phono preamp before I go any more exotic on cartridges..
Can’t complain at all though, about the value/sound heard with the OC9ML/II. It’s a nice cartridge.
Stay healthy, folks!
I do like it! I don't have the most detailed ear, so unfortunately I'm not so good at comparisons. I will say that it seems to be possibly more detailed than the VM540ML, while I find the VM540ML somewhat more "punchy" and musical. I also believe that the stylus on the VM540ML could be an improved version, as the OC9 seems to pick up on more groove noise and even some apparent groove damage (on certain records) that I didn't know was there before. I actually thought the first OC9 I got was defective due to this, so I was sent another one, but it doesn't show any difference. Also, I'm not using a "proper" MC transformer - I am using a Vista Audio Phono 1 mk2 phono stage that has MC capability, loaded at 100 ohms and 60dB amplification. This is an excellent phono stage by all accounts, but of course there are those who believe there is no substitute to a step-up transformer.
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MisterDK
Addicted Member
AT recommends 100 Ω. When using it with my MS Phonomena preamps, it liked 120 Ω. I tried it a bit lower at first, but 120 gave it more “air”. I didn’t try it higher than that. With both the MM/MI only stage I’m presently using along with my SUT, I haven’t tried changing the loading (47KΩ) of the phono stage, and am just relying on the SUT to match things up - and it still sounds very good! I may again try playing with loading after I get more hours on this particular phono stage, which is a DIY unit I made.
The Slider
Active Member
AT doesn't exactly recommend 100 Ω, that is what they list as the minimum recommended load based on the 12 Ω coils. I'm using the AT-OC9XML with vintage Partridge 1:6 SUTs on the input of my 23K input preamp, so a reflected load of about 600 ohms, and it sounds great. Haven't tried any lower yet, but really like it in that range.
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MisterDK
Addicted Member
I’ve noticed in some places they spec >100 Ohms.
This is taken directly from their US site:
The Slider
Active Member
OK, but I thought we were talking about the AT-OC9XML, that's what @jmbarone asked about, I'm not sure what page you are showing, I guess it may be the AT-OC9ML/II, which makes sense as that is what the thread topic is
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MisterDK
Addicted Member
OK, but I thought we were talking about the AT-OC9XML, that's what @jmbarone asked about, I'm not sure what page you are showing, I guess it may be the AT-OC9ML/II, which makes sense as that is what the thread topic is
Yeah; my mistake. Thought we were still discussing the ML/II.
bobins08
Celebrating Life
Agree. Another lesson learned for me.
Thanks to everyone. I think the max amplifier ratio for the oc9xml is 1:15 ... maybe the best is 1:12.
0.4 *15 = 6 volts ... More than that can easily overload a MM preamp.
That means aprox 200 ohm ... 47k / (15*15) ... Or aprox 300 ohm with 1:12.
You need to try the oc9 with 200 - 300 ohm, maybe is less "muffled" than with 100.
0.4 *15 = 6 volts ... More than that can easily overload a MM preamp.
That means aprox 200 ohm ... 47k / (15*15) ... Or aprox 300 ohm with 1:12.
You need to try the oc9 with 200 - 300 ohm, maybe is less "muffled" than with 100.
The ML/II have the same output (0.4) and internal impedance (12 ohm) ... So is the same impedance math i made for the XML cartridge. Try it in a bit more impedance than 100 ohms
The emotiva pre goes from 100 to 470 ohms ... a pitty ... a little more than 100 could be better.
AT cartridges seems the best bang for the buck right now, better price / performance ratio than Ortofon / Nagaoka / Hana / Grado, if you check stylus / cantilever / motor technology and reviews.
MisterDK
Addicted Member
The ML/II have the same output (0.4) and internal impedance (12 ohm) ... So is the same impedance math i made for the XML cartridge. Try it in a bit more impedance than 100 ohms
No need to tell me. It sounded better, more “airy” at 120 than when I had it at 80 and 100.
doctor fuse
Super Member
It reminds me of the Benz Micro Wood SL (not sure what stylus profile was on mine?), in terms of refinement, balance and quiet tracking.
A retipped Denon DL-300 with Namiki boron cantilever and Shibata III stylus had a slightly fully midrange but was also similar. Is this refinement (almost politeness?) the defining feature of a boron cantilever?
A retipped Denon DL-300 with Namiki boron cantilever and Shibata III stylus had a slightly fully midrange but was also similar. Is this refinement (almost politeness?) the defining feature of a boron cantilever?
ripblade
Addicted Member
Boron is not bright, so you might call it polite, even warm. By contrast, sapphire and ruby rods sound almost shrill, and alloy pipes can sound shouty. Sometimes these attributes add to the experience, rather than detract.