Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

Thanks again to all who offered opinions on the ART9.  I installed mine a few days ago and it's excellent.  I didn't know how it could improve upon the OC9ii but it did.  The mids are so nice.  Ordered from the highly regarded seller in HK on a Thursday and it was delivered the following Tuesday.  I never purchase items like this without researching online.  This thread made me confident to place this order.

Also, I spoke with ATUSA and they do indeed support the ART9 in the US.

Cheers all.

^^^ It will improve with a little age.  I heard a mega-buck system over the weekend with three turntables sporting a total of four tonearms, one of which had the Lyra Etna on it.  Great cartridge to be sure ... but I really didn't feel I was missing much at all, especially in the area of correct tonal balance. 

I have a rogue Ares phono stage. I'd like to find out if anyone who's using this phono stage with the ART9 and hear what load and capacitance settings are being used.  Thank you

Installed my ART9 a week ago. It took forever for my Grado w/MCZ stylus to reach its decline stage. Have about 60 sides played and it is wonderful. My TT is a VPI Traveler Ver 1. Still searching for the correct VTA settings, for thin records. I found the sweet spot for 180/200g. Totally impressed so far. Smooth, precise and powerful are my adjectives. 

Do you own any mono records? The ART-9 is great at playing them.