{"product_id":"ikeda-9ts","title":"Ikeda 9TS MC cartridge","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"488\"\u003e We think\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"1338\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"519\"\u003eIkeda 9TS\u003c\/strong\u003e is a truly special pickup because it brings the pinnacle of Japanese pickup engineering to a price range that is accessible to significantly more music lovers. It embodies everything you'd expect from an Ikeda: \u003cstrong data-start=\"744\" data-end=\"854\"\u003esonic immediacy, full-bodied imaging, deep emotional response, and precise technical execution\u003c\/strong\u003e . With its \u003cstrong data-start=\"867\" data-end=\"928\"\u003ecomparatively high output voltage of 0.35 millivolts,\u003c\/strong\u003e it's more practical than the more expensive Ikeda pickups and thus more universally applicable. At the same time, it remains a true Ikeda—handcrafted, uncompromising in materials, and bearing the clear signature of Isamu Ikeda. The 9TS makes it clear: even entry into the Ikeda world doesn't mean a compromise product, but rather the full essence of a sound philosophy cultivated over decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"1340\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1345\" data-end=\"1369\"\u003e Product presentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1977\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1388\"\u003eIkeda 9TS\u003c\/strong\u003e is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1429\"\u003emoving-coil (MC) cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e positioned as the entry-level model in Ikeda's 9 Series. Its housing is made of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1541\"\u003elow-resonance aluminum\u003c\/strong\u003e , combining stability with tonal neutrality. The \u003cstrong data-start=\"1608\" data-end=\"1660\"\u003ecantilever is made of two-layer duralumin\u003c\/strong\u003e , a material used in aerospace engineering, characterized by its rigidity, light weight, and excellent resonance control. At its tip sits an \u003cstrong data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1878\"\u003eoval-cut diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e , enabling high tracking accuracy while simultaneously delivering smooth, musical reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2333\"\u003eTechnically, the 9TS impresses with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2011\" data-end=\"2046\"\u003e0.35 millivolt output voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e , \u003cstrong data-start=\"2048\" data-end=\"2073\"\u003e6 ohm internal resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e , \u003cstrong data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2111\"\u003e2 grams of recommended tracking force\u003c\/strong\u003e , a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2154\"\u003estylus compliance of 7 µm\/mN\u003c\/strong\u003e , and an impressive \u003cstrong data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2223\"\u003efrequency response of 10 to 45,000 Hertz\u003c\/strong\u003e . With \u003cstrong data-start=\"2229\" data-end=\"2254\"\u003ea weight of just 10 grams,\u003c\/strong\u003e it's ideal for a variety of medium to heavy tonearms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2511\"\u003e It thus meets all the expectations that a discerning music lover could have of an MC cartridge in this class – and in some respects even goes beyond them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2516\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2518\" data-end=\"2549\"\u003e Special features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2903\"\u003eWhat makes the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2584\"\u003eIkeda 9TS\u003c\/strong\u003e special is its balance between technical excellence and musical character. Many pickups in this price range tend to sound analytical or overly emphatic. The 9TS, on the other hand, combines \u003cstrong data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"2820\"\u003efine detail and naturalness\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2831\" data-end=\"2860\"\u003epowerful bass foundation\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"2900\"\u003egenerous spatial imaging\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"3207\"\u003e The \u003cstrong data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2948\"\u003e0.35 millivolt output voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e is a real advantage: While many MC systems deliver extremely low levels, which absolutely require very high-quality, low-noise MC preamps, the 9TS can be easily integrated into significantly more setups. This makes it universal and practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"3209\" data-end=\"3641\"\u003eIts \u003cstrong data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3238\"\u003eduralumin cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes significantly to the controlled yet musical sound. Duralumin is stiffer than aluminum, yet lighter than many other materials—a perfect balance for precise signal transmission. The \u003cstrong data-start=\"3444\" data-end=\"3466\"\u003eoval, full diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e cut, in turn, provides a high contact area with the groove, reducing distortion while simultaneously producing a harmonious, rounded sound character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"3643\" data-end=\"3646\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3648\" data-end=\"3675\"\u003e Technology \u0026amp; Materials\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"3677\" data-end=\"4099\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"3681\" data-end=\"3695\"\u003eMC technology\u003c\/strong\u003e of the 9TS is based on Isamu Ikeda's decades of experience. In an MC (moving coil) system, the coils move in the magnetic field while the magnet remains stationary. This significantly reduces the moving mass and enables finer, more precise tracking than with MM systems. The disadvantage—a lower output voltage—is mitigated in the 9TS by the comparatively high 0.35 millivolts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"4101\" data-end=\"4524\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"4105\" data-end=\"4115\"\u003ecoils\u003c\/strong\u003e of the 9TS are carefully wound to create the most linear magnetic field possible. The \u003cstrong data-start=\"4205\" data-end=\"4221\"\u003emagnet assembly\u003c\/strong\u003e is robust and delivers consistent performance. The \u003cstrong data-start=\"4272\" data-end=\"4292\"\u003ealuminum housing\u003c\/strong\u003e not only provides mechanical stability but also dampens resonance. Combined with the duralumin cantilever and diamond, this results in a \u003cstrong data-start=\"4451\" data-end=\"4494\"\u003ehighly precise yet musical signature\u003c\/strong\u003e that is typical of Ikeda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"4526\" data-end=\"4529\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4531\" data-end=\"4563\"\u003e Sustainability \u0026amp; Manufacturing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"4565\" data-end=\"4848\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4582\"\u003eIkeda 9TS,\u003c\/strong\u003e like all Ikeda products, is \u003cstrong data-start=\"4615\" data-end=\"4655\"\u003eentirely handcrafted in Japan\u003c\/strong\u003e . Each cartridge undergoes rigorous quality controls, and even the smallest tolerances are checked. This level of craftsmanship ensures \u003cstrong data-start=\"4799\" data-end=\"4845\"\u003elongevity and consistent quality\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"4850\" data-end=\"5152\"\u003e Another aspect is \u003cstrong data-start=\"4878\" data-end=\"4893\"\u003emaintainability\u003c\/strong\u003e : Even though MC cartridges are generally not user-repairable, Ikeda traditionally offers factory service. This makes the 9TS a sustainable investment—far removed from the throwaway mentality of many of today's products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"5154\" data-end=\"5157\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5159\" data-end=\"5189\"\u003e Technical data (specs)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"5191\" data-end=\"5583\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5191\" data-end=\"5202\"\u003eSystem:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moving Coil (MC)\u003cbr data-start=\"5219\" data-end=\"5222\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5222\" data-end=\"5243\"\u003eOutput voltage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.35 mV (1 kHz, 35.4 mm\/s) \u003cbr data-start=\"5270\" data-end=\"5273\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5273\" data-end=\"5293\"\u003eInternal resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 Ω\u003cbr data-start=\"5297\" data-end=\"5300\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5300\" data-end=\"5317\"\u003eTracking force:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.0 g ±0.2 g\u003cbr data-start=\"5330\" data-end=\"5333\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5333\" data-end=\"5357\"\u003eNeedle compliance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 µm\/mN\u003cbr data-start=\"5365\" data-end=\"5368\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5368\" data-end=\"5380\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 g\u003cbr data-start=\"5385\" data-end=\"5388\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5388\" data-end=\"5405\"\u003eFrequency response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 – 45,000 Hz\u003cbr data-start=\"5420\" data-end=\"5423\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5423\" data-end=\"5441\"\u003eChannel separation:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt; 27 dB (1 kHz)\u003cbr data-start=\"5457\" data-end=\"5460\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5460\" data-end=\"5480\"\u003eChannel equality:\u003c\/strong\u003e ±1 dB (1 kHz)\u003cbr data-start=\"5494\" data-end=\"5497\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5497\" data-end=\"5508\"\u003eStylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e oval cut full diamond\u003cbr data-start=\"5540\" data-end=\"5543\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"5543\" data-end=\"5558\"\u003eCantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e Duralumin, double layer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"5585\" data-end=\"5588\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5590\" data-end=\"5625\"\u003e Test reports \/ press reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"5627\" data-end=\"6044\"\u003eThe German magazine \u003cstrong data-start=\"5648\" data-end=\"5661\"\u003eLP\u003c\/strong\u003e (issue 3\/2020) attests to the \u003cstrong data-start=\"5695\" data-end=\"5708\"\u003eIkeda 9TS's\u003c\/strong\u003e excellent value for money, particularly highlighting its \u003cstrong data-start=\"5777\" data-end=\"5811\"\u003eexceptional spatial imaging\u003c\/strong\u003e . Vocals are reproduced \u003cstrong data-start=\"5835\" data-end=\"5863\"\u003ewith body and depth\u003c\/strong\u003e , while instruments are stable and clearly positioned in the room. The \u003cstrong data-start=\"5965\" data-end=\"5994\"\u003epowerful bass reproduction\u003c\/strong\u003e , which is both precise and musical, was particularly praised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"6046\" data-end=\"6080\"\u003e In conclusion, Holger Barske writes: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"6082\" data-end=\"6339\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"6084\" data-end=\"6339\"\u003e \"The Ikeda 9TS impresses with its balanced, powerful sound, excellent spatial imaging, and practical output voltage. An MC cartridge that sets standards in its class in terms of sound and is the perfect entry point into the Ikeda world.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"6341\" data-end=\"6552\"\u003eThis positions the 9TS as \u003cstrong data-start=\"6377\" data-end=\"6427\"\u003ea leading cartridge in its price range\u003c\/strong\u003e – a real insider tip for music lovers looking for a system that combines \u003cstrong data-start=\"6499\" data-end=\"6541\"\u003eauthenticity, dynamics and musicality\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"6554\" data-end=\"6557\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6559\" data-end=\"6601\"\u003e Background \/ History \/ Development\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"6603\" data-end=\"6947\"\u003e The \u003cstrong data-start=\"6607\" data-end=\"6614\"\u003e9TS\u003c\/strong\u003e is part of the renowned \u003cstrong data-start=\"6641\" data-end=\"6660\"\u003eIkeda 9 Series\u003c\/strong\u003e , which is available in several configurations. While higher-end models like the \u003cstrong data-start=\"6756\" data-end=\"6763\"\u003e9TT\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"6773\" data-end=\"6781\"\u003e9Gss\u003c\/strong\u003e utilize even finer diamond cuts and other materials, the 9TS remains the model that conveys Ikeda's character at an attractive price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"6949\" data-end=\"7463\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6949\" data-end=\"6964\"\u003eIsamu Ikeda\u003c\/strong\u003e , the founder, is considered a pioneer of MC cartridge construction in Japan. Back in the 1960s, he developed legendary tonearms and cartridges at Fidelity Research that still hold benchmark status today. With the founding of \u003cstrong data-start=\"7190\" data-end=\"7218\"\u003eIkeda Sound Laboratories\u003c\/strong\u003e in 2000, he continued this tradition – with uncompromising products that emphasize the purist standards of analog music reproduction. The 9TS carries on this legacy and makes it accessible to a wider audience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikeda","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55513542787447,"sku":null,"price":2590.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0916\/3567\/9607\/files\/Ikeda_9_TS_Tonabnehmer.png?v=1775236222","url":"https:\/\/klang-maschine.de\/en\/products\/ikeda-9ts","provider":"Klang Maschine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}