Ikeda 9TT MC pickup
We think
The Ikeda 9TT is a technological pinnacle in the analog hi-fi sector—a moving-coil cartridge that combines technical precision with musical expressiveness at the highest level. It utilizes a highly rigid, double-layer duralumin cantilever construction , combined with a line-contact diamond and a resonance-optimized aluminum housing —all crafted using traditional craftsmanship. This combination results in a sound that is not only controlled but also emotionally captivating. With its output voltage of 0.16 mV and an impedance of 2 ohms, it exhibits the classic characteristics of a low-output MC cartridge, yet with exceptional detail and detailed musicality. The Ikeda 9TT is not a compromise product, but the uncompromising implementation of Isamu Ikeda's sound philosophy.
Product presentation
The Ikeda 9TT is a premium moving-coil (MC) cartridge . Its body is made of precision CNC-machined aluminum , which stabilizes the generator and magnetic field and minimizes resonance. The cantilever, made of double-layer duralumin tubing, combines high rigidity with low weight, ensuring precise signal transmission. A line-contact diamond at the tip creates a particularly large contact area with the groove, thus making the finest details audible. The generator is based on a low-resistance permalloy core coil , which, in combination with a powerful magnetic field, ensures neutral, color-accurate music reproduction.
Special features
The Ikeda 9TT stands out due to several features:
Low output voltage of 0.16 mV , with exceptional detail.
Low-impedance design with 2 ohms , which enables particularly linear signal conversion.
Duralumin cantilever and line contact diamond , which together ensure maximum precision and musicality.
Resonance-optimized aluminum housing that ensures stability and neutrality.
Japanese craftsmanship makes each piece a unique precision tool.
Technology & Materials
The technology of the 9TT impressively demonstrates how Ikeda translates decades of experience into modern manufacturing. The MC generator with hand-wound coils operates at a particularly low internal resistance, which minimizes distortion and preserves signal purity. The magnetic field is guided by a carefully shaped yoke to ensure linearity. The duralumin cantilever transmits the diamond's movements with the utmost precision and without disruptive resonances. The line-contact cut ensures precise tracking of the record groove over its entire lifetime and also extends the life of the records.
Sustainability & Manufacturing
Every Ikeda 9TT is handcrafted in Japan . Experienced specialists inspect every detail to ensure minimal tolerances are maintained. This meticulous manufacturing process guarantees that each system meets the high standards that have made Ikeda famous worldwide for decades. In addition, Ikeda has a long tradition of offering factory service for repairs and maintenance . The 9TT is therefore not only a high-quality audiophile tool, but also a sustainable investment in many years of analog music enjoyment.
Technical data (specs)
System: Moving Coil (MC)
Output voltage: 0.16 mV (1 kHz, 35.4 mm/s)
Internal resistance: 2 Ω
Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g ± 0.2 g
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 45 kHz
Channel separation: > 27 dB (1 kHz)
Channel balance: ± 1 dB (1 kHz)
Stylus: Line-Contact full diamond
Cantilever: double-layer duralumin tube
Weight: approx. 10 g
Housing: aluminum, CNC-milled, low resonance
Test reports / press reviews
There are no German reviews of the Ikeda 9TT yet. However, international feedback and listening experiences paint a very clear picture: The 9TT is a pickup that impresses with its fine detail , sculptural spatiality , and musical warmth . Voices and acoustic instruments in particular benefit from its ability to reproduce timbres intensely and authentically.
The online magazine Positive Feedback writes:
"The Ikeda 9TT is a very linear, resolving, and truthful sounding transducer. It flows effortlessly through the music, presenting female voices and acoustic instruments with remarkable richness and natural color. A true analog delight."
The 9TT is also frequently praised in international forums for its three-dimensional imaging and powerful, captivating dynamics . Users emphasize that it delivers "colorful" and "lively" sound, lending a particular intensity to vocals.
Background / History / Development
The Ikeda 9TT is part of the renowned Ikeda 9 Series , which has been considered the benchmark for MC systems for decades. Isamu Ikeda, the founder of Ikeda Sound Laboratories, developed legendary tonearms and cartridges at Fidelity Research in the 1960s that set global standards. With the 9TT, he consistently continued this tradition – combining traditional craftsmanship, Japanese engineering, and modern materials. The 9TT is both an expression of this history and a modern ambassador for analog listening at the highest level.
Safety instructions
Electronic devices:
1. General Use: • Electronic devices are designed for use in enclosed, dry rooms only. Direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures may impair function. • Avoid proximity to water sources or other liquids. 2. Electrical Safety: • Use only with the specified power source (e.g., 220-240 V AC). An incorrect power source may damage the device or be hazardous. • Never connect the device to overloaded outlets or extension cords. • If there is any visible damage to the power cord or other components, do not operate the device. 3. Operation and Ventilation: • Place the device on a stable, flat surface. Do not block any ventilation slots to prevent overheating. • Ensure sufficient distance from other devices or walls (at least 10 cm) to ensure optimal ventilation. 4. Children and Pets: • Keep the device away from children and pets, especially small parts that could be swallowed.
Speakers:
1. Setup: • Place speakers on a stable and secure surface or use suitable speaker stands. Tipping over may cause injury or damage. • Position speakers so they are not obstructed and optimal sound dispersion is ensured. 2. Environmental Conditions: • Speakers are intended for use in dry, enclosed spaces. Avoid moisture and direct sunlight, which could damage materials or electronics. 3. Connections: • Use only compatible amplifiers and cables that meet the speaker's technical specifications. • Avoid incorrect polarity connections to prevent damage to the speaker or amplifier. 4. Children and Pets: • Speakers are not toys. Make sure they are placed out of reach of children and pets. 5. Care: • Clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners or water.
Cable:
1. Use: • Cables are for their intended use only. Use them only with devices that meet the cable's technical specifications. • Ensure that all connections are secure and tight for optimum performance. 2. Handling: • Never pull on the cable to remove it from a device. Always hold the plug firmly. • Do not bend, overstretch, or place excessive strain on the cable. Cables should not run under heavy objects. 3. Children and Pets: • Keep cables away from children and pets as they can be a strangulation or injury hazard. 4. Inspection: • Check cables regularly for visible damage such as breaks, cracks, or frayed ends. Damaged cables must be replaced immediately.
Accesories:
1. Use: • Accessories such as adapters, mounts or cleaning utensils must only be used for their intended purpose. Incorrect use can cause damage. 2. Care: • Clean accessories only according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or use in damp environments. 3. Safety: • Ensure accessories are correctly fitted or connected to prevent accidents or malfunctions. 4. Children and pets: • Accessories, especially small parts, pose a choking hazard and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Common instructions for all categories: • Operating instructions: Read the operating instructions carefully before using the product. • Repairs: Do not open or repair the product yourself. Contact an authorized service partner or the manufacturer. • Contact us if you have any questions: We are always available to answer any questions you may have about the safe use of our products.
Manufacturer information & EU contact