Turntables, Arms & Cartridges

Although not specifically mentioned in Pro-Ject's literature, the MC9's cryogenically annealed mechanism, pole pieces and boron rod cantilever all look like examples manufactured by the Excel Corporation of Japan, and illustrated by the Hana Umami Blue in particular [Umami Red - HFN Dec '20]. The MC9 has its own solid alloy body and (possibly) slightly more cost effective 'Special Elliptical' 5x150µm stylus [see micrograph, p71] but output is marginally lower than specified at 315µV (re. 1kHz/5cm/sec into 100ohm) while the channel balance is below par at 0.8dB. That said, channel separation is excellent at ~35dB through the midrange while the frequency response is very extended, closely mirroring the 'shape' of the Umami Red with a rising treble reaching +2dB/19kHz (left) and +5dB/20kHz (right) with stereo cuts [dashed trace, Graph 1] and an asymmetric +2.0dB/-0.2dB at 14kHz with lateral [black]/vertical [red] cuts, respectively. The latter favours strong central stereo images While the high 18-19% distortion above 10kHz [-8dB re. 5cm/sec; see Graph 2] is simply a reflection of the MC9's extended ultrasonic bandwidth.

Pro-Ject suggests a relatively modest 1.8G downforce for the MC9 but as its low 8cu dynamic compliance is rather 'stiffer' than the rated 12cu not only is it better suited to heavy (20g+) effective mass tonearms but its tracking is secure only to 60-65µm groove pitches. It starts to let slip into mere +12dB grooves (re. 0dB at 315Hz/5cm/sec) at ~0.3% THD, increasing to ~3% at +15dB. With this, and the strong treble in mind (and the fact that VTA is closer to 28° rather than 20°) a higher 2.0g downforce is recommended. PM