In the world of high-end audio, few components can make as dramatic an impact on your listening experience as a top-tier cartridge. Today, we're excited to bring you our Pro-Ject Pick It MC9 Moving Coil Cartridge review, a product that promises to elevate your vinyl playback to new heights. As audiophiles at The Audio Tailor, we've had the pleasure of experiencing this marvel of engineering, and we're thrilled to share our insights with you.

Unveiling the Pro-Ject Pick It MC9

The Pro-Ject Pick It MC9 is a testament to Pro-Ject's commitment to pushing the boundaries of vinyl reproduction. This moving coil cartridge is part of Pro-Ject's new MC range, designed to perfectly complement their tonearms and realise their vision of sound. The MC9 stands out with its promise of delivering music with the highest accuracy, making it a must-consider for serious audiophiles.

Technical Marvels and Audiophile Dreams

The Pick It MC9 is a treasure trove of audiophile-grade features:

• Moving Coil Principle: Offering superior detail and dynamics compared to moving magnet designs.
• Full Aluminium Body: Anodised in a sleek black finish, ensuring rigidity and reducing unwanted resonances.
• Telar 57 Coil: Utilising pure iron with 6N linear crystal copper winding for exceptional signal purity.
• Cryogenically Treated Cantilever: Realigned crystal structure for smoother signal transmission.
• Special Elliptical Stylus: Designed to extract every nuance from the groove.

With an output voltage of 0.35 mV and a recommended tracking force of 1.8 grams, the MC9 is optimised for high-end phono stages and tonearms. The flat frequency response spanning 20 - 20,000 Hz (±1dB) ensures a neutral, uncoloured presentation that lets your records shine.

Listening Experience: A Symphony of Precision

Upon cueing up our first record with the MC9, it became immediately apparent that this cartridge is something special. The soundstage it presents is expansive and detailed, with each instrument occupying a distinct space. Jazz recordings come alive with a palpable sense of air around each performer, while classical pieces are reproduced with breathtaking dynamics and scale.

The MC9's ability to track complex passages is nothing short of remarkable. Even in the most demanding orchestral crescendos, it maintains composure, delivering each note with clarity and authority. The cryogenically treated cantilever proves its worth here, transmitting the most delicate signals with an almost ethereal purity.

Bass response is tight and articulate, providing a solid foundation without ever becoming overbearing. The midrange, where so much of the music's emotion resides, is presented with a natural warmth that draws you into the performance. High frequencies sparkle with detail but never veer into harshness, a testament to the MC9's well-tuned frequency response.

Who Is This Cartridge For?

The Pro-Ject Pick It MC9 is ideal for:

• Serious audiophiles looking to extract every last detail from their vinyl collection.
• Jazz and classical music enthusiasts who demand the utmost in dynamics and precision.
• Vinyl lovers with high-end turntables and phono stages that can fully showcase the MC9's capabilities.

If you're considering upgrading your cartridge and want to experience your records in a whole new light, we highly recommend giving the MC9 a listen. Our team at The Audio Tailor would be delighted to arrange a personalised audition for you.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional detail retrieval and soundstage presentation
• Superb tracking ability, even with complex material
• High-quality construction with premium materials
• Flat frequency response for neutral, accurate reproduction
• Optimised for jazz and classical genres

Cons:

• Requires a high-quality phono stage to fully shine
• May be overkill for casual listeners or budget systems
• Needs careful setup to achieve optimal performance

Installation and Setup: Precision Matters

The MC9 comes with all necessary mounting hardware, including screws and a hex key. Pro-Ject recommends using their "Measure it" tracking force gauge and "Align it" tool for proper setup. While installation is straightforward for experienced users, we at The Audio Tailor are always happy to assist with setup to ensure you're getting the absolute best from this exceptional cartridge.

A Black Beauty That Delivers

The Pro-Ject Pick It MC9 is more than just a cartridge; it's a gateway to rediscovering your vinyl collection. Its ability to extract the finest details while maintaining musicality is truly impressive. The beautiful black anodised finish is not just for looks; it contributes to the cartridge's performance by damping unwanted resonances.

The Final Groove: A Cartridge That Sings

In conclusion, the Pro-Ject Pick It MC9 Moving Coil Cartridge is a triumph of audio engineering. It offers a level of performance that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. Whether you're losing yourself in the intricate harmonies of a jazz quartet or being swept away by the grandeur of a full orchestra, the MC9 delivers with finesse and authority.

If you're ready to take your vinyl listening to the next level, we invite you to experience the Pro-Ject Pick It MC9 for yourself. Give us a call at The Audio Tailor, and let's explore how this exceptional cartridge can transform your audio setup. Our team is always here to provide expert advice and ensure you find the perfect match for your system and listening preferences.

Don't just play your records – experience them in all their glory with the Pro-Ject Pick It MC9. Your vinyl collection deserves nothing less.