New Ikeda 9TT stereo cartridge

**Bill Demars** · 02-27-2012, 06:49 AM

I just received my new Ikeda 9TT cartridge and I'm really impressed so far. It is very three-dimensional and dynamic. It is more open and airy and 3D than my Shilabe. It also tracks better. I can only assume it will continue to improve as I have very few hours on it now.
It will retail for $3600.
I will be showing it, as well as the Ikeda 407 tonearm at the upcoming Axpona show in Jacksonville in the Omni Ballroom Salon B.

**MylesBAstor** · 02-27-2012, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Bill Demars

I just received my new Ikeda 9TT cartridge and I'm really impressed so far. It is very three-dimensional and dynamic. It is more open and airy and 3D than my Shilabe. It also tracks better. I can only assume it will continue to improve as I have very few hours on it now.
It will retail for $3600.
I will be showing it, as well as the Ikeda 407 tonearm at the upcoming Axpona show in Jacksonville in the Omni Ballroom Salon B.

Is it as heavy as the old Ikedas? Also what is the 9TT's compliance?

**Bill Demars** · 02-28-2012, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by MylesBAstor

Is it as heavy as the old Ikedas? Also what is the 9TT's compliance?

It's 32 grams in it's headshell. 10.5 grams alone. So a tiny bit lighter than the some of the other 9 series carts. Compliance is about 6 x 10-6 cm/Dyne.

**decca4** · 03-12-2012, 03:38 PM

Very interesting Bill,

I have a IKEDA Rex Kiwami that I bought last year. I am extremely pleased with this one in particular for its ability to express tonal nuances and texture. As you say the dynamics are excellent. The most important thing is the way it combines musicality with precision and clarity. Surprisingly it sounds very much like my refurbished Decca SC4E (with a Paratracer needle and new softer cantilever). The Decca is better low down but falls slightly short when it comes to subtle tonal expression.

Do you know how the IKEDA TT is different from the one I have. It is extremely difficult to find info on these cartridges. The data on Vinyl Engine seem to list more or less the same data for all models. I have also tried a 9V which sound wise is similar to the Kiwami but with less energy and precision. The 9V seems to like a 3 Ohm load wile the Kiwami prefers a 2 Ohm load. What step up do you use?

Stefan

**Steve Williams** · 03-12-2012, 04:04 PM

Hi Stefan

welcome to WBF

**decca4** · 03-12-2012, 04:05 PM

Thanks Steve!

Stefan

**Bill Demars** · 03-16-2012, 05:25 AM

Originally Posted by decca4

Very interesting Bill,

I have a IKEDA Rex Kiwami that I bought last year. I am extremely pleased with this one in particular for its ability to express tonal nuances and texture. As you say the dynamics are excellent. The most important thing is the way it combines musicality with precision and clarity. Surprisingly it sounds very much like my refurbished Decca SC4E (with a Paratracer needle and new softer cantilever). The Decca is better low down but falls slightly short when it comes to subtle tonal expression.

Do you know how the IKEDA TT is different from the one I have. It is extremely difficult to find info on these cartridges. The data on Vinyl Engine seem to list more or less the same data for all models. I have also tried a 9V which sound wise is similar to the Kiwami but with less energy and precision. The 9V seems to like a 3 Ohm load wile the Kiwami prefers a 2 Ohm load. What step up do you use?

Stefan

The 9REX Kiwame was produced quite some time ago, for export only. Did you get it used?
It was discontinued because it wasn't up to the sonic character of the 9REX. The 9REX is now discontinued as well. The 9TT does have a short cantilever and is thus a bit easier to "dial" in than the cantileverless 9REX and 9MUSA.
The 9MUSA is still available on a special-order basis for $6500. The 9TT will initially retail for $3600. in the US but will likely go up to $3800. by summer.
I use a step-up made by TubeGuru from Hungary that is made specifically for the low-impedance 9TT. It retails for $1400.

**flez007** · 03-16-2012, 09:06 AM

I have the Ikeda tonearm in my short list of possible upgrades, but I was not aware of their cartridge line, I am sure they are an interesting option as well - based on your description it does pairs with the sound of a Miyabi or Air Tight cartridges, do you agree?

**decca4** · 03-16-2012, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Bill Demars

The 9REX Kiwame was produced quite some time ago, for export only. Did you get it used?
It was discontinued because it wasn't up to the sonic character of the 9REX. The 9REX is now discontinued as well. The 9TT does have a short cantilever and is thus a bit easier to "dial" in than the cantileverless 9REX and 9MUSA.
.

Hi Bill and tanks for your response.

I bougt a new REX KIWAMI from Juki in Hong Kong. The first sample did not work as intended and Juki replaced it very fairly. A friend of mine bought one a few month earlier and that one sounds slightly different from mine. Do you know in what way the KIWAMI was different in sonic character from the REX?

Looking at the Ikeda TT it has a cantilever which none of the previous cartridges made by Mr Ikeda under the IKEDA brand had. There was a point with this as Mr Ikeda managed to make a moving coil without cantilever and for a god reason. Is the Ikeda TT designed by Mr Ikeda and is it made by him personally as all the other Ikeda cartridges?

Thanks for your attention

Stefan