Review: Audio-Technica AT-F7

The silver-gray cartridge from Audio-Technica is in a price range where Moving Magnet cartridges are more common. Since this is a Moving Coil cartridge, it has two disadvantages compared to an MM cartridge. The entire cartridge must be replaced when the pin is worn out. The pin cannot be replaced. And it delivers low 0.35 mV, which means you need a phono input for MC.

It is also not among the easiest to assemble. It is not difficult, but requires extreme caution. The supplied screws can not be screwed into threads in the cartridge, but must be threaded through and fastened with round nuts. Then the pin protection must be removed, so care is a virtue here. The cartridge belongs to Audio-Technica’s affordable motorcycle series, which we have good experience with, and is much better built than usual in this price range.

The weight is moderate 5 grams and it fits well with a wide range of turntables. The pin pressure should be 2 grams. The coils are wound in high quality oxygen-free copper, and that leads us to the sound quality.

Focused and open

Tight, defined, open and detailed. Briefly described. This cartridge will definitely give new life to the record collection, and delight especially those who love the small nuances of the music. For example. in classical, opera and jazz.

It brings more details out of the vinyl, with a clearer focus than any of the other four in this test, but the bass is slimmer and not as full-bodied here. It is noticeable on Bob Dylan’s Oh Mercy where the rhythm in The Man in The Long Black Coat, does not get the same drive here. The bass is deep enough, and well defined, it just lacks a little fullness.

It is also noticeable on the piano sound at Radka Toneff’s Fairytales, where the felt hammers’ touches of the strings are clearly defined, but where the lowest octave sounds a little more withdrawn. Vocals, acoustic instruments and strings, sound phenomenally well focused.

This is a cartridge with sparkling dynamics, sharp focus and beautiful midrange sound. But before you think that it is perfect for death metal, you should rather choose this for music that thrives to a greater extent with a clear focus on details, nuances and microdynamics.

Conclusion

Audio-Technica AT-F7 is a good choice for those who want to get more nuances out of the discs. It tracks excellently, is quiet and dynamic, and a good choice in the price range. At least for those who are not interested in forward-leaning bass and shy away from a sharp focus on details. Perhaps the best in class on vocals in particular, and acoustic in general.