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Audio-Technica ART 7

Good day A,goners :)

I was in love with the AT OC9 III sound until I damaged it accidentally !!!!!!!!!! The needle broke off completely of the cartridge. I am looking for a replacement. 

I am wanting to stay with Audio-Technica, and looking into ART 9 and ART 7. I read the threads here and some other forums in regards to the ART 9 cart. Most likely will go for the ART 9. However, I am curious about the ART 7.

How many of you here are /were ACTUALLY using ART 7? With what phono stage and gain setting? What are the strength and limitation if you are using / used the ART 7?

I will be using it on a Project RMP 9 table with the 9cc Project arm, Simaudio Moon 310Lp phono, XLR cables (6dB additional gain) to BAT pre-amp.  

Thanks a lot for your inputs :)
Subho


 
128x128confuse_upgraditis
melm
1,084 posts
 
@soundermn 

Having bought from an authorized US dealer, do you know what the re-tipping charge is from Audio Technica?  Is that done in the US?
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
@melm Sorry, I don't know.  I didn't ask that question.  But, IME with NeedleDoctor, you can get a 20% discount toward a new one if you trade in the old one.  That is why when I wrecked my 10x5, I decided to trade up rather than just replace it.  So I paid more, but kept the 10x5.  ND did offer a discount anyway on the ART, considering I had bought the Dynavector from him a couple years ago, and I think he sympathized with my mistake.

Eventually I will send the 10x5 to Soundsmith for a new cantilever.  That will be cheaper than going with a new Dyna, and probably as good or better.

You can give Ken a call at ND and he can tell you about retip options.  They are great to deal with!
dgarretson
2,603 posts
 

There is no Factory retip.  From the ART7 manual:

"When the stylus is to be replaced, replace the entire cartridge. Take the used cartridge to your dealer: This cartridge and other MC cartridges sold by AT are available at the stylus replacement price.  If this cartridge is no longer being produced, one of the MC cartridges currently being produced will be available at the stylus replacement price."

Which is still confusing, as there is no stylus replacement available at any price.

confuse_upgraditis's avatar
confuse_upgraditis OP
29 posts
 
I would like to thank everyone who joined the discussion and gave valuable feedback on not only the specific cartridges I mentioned in my original post but also on buying experiences or decision making processes. 

As always it was clear how passionate you all are about good music and good sound, and above all how much you love the hobby.  Thanks again for sharing :)
fast_mick
38 posts
 
My ART7 just arrived and i have about 1 hour on it.

My phono stage is a Aesthetix Rhea, with gain to 75. direct into the phono it sounded a thin.
I also have some suts i purchased a few years ago my favourite is an uesegi 5 L.  I  put that in the phono chain  and now running at 56 gain at 47kh. it now sounds superb, so natural and pure.
 I previously had at ART 9 the 7 is superior in my opinion. its on a FR64S
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