Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

Thanks, Pani. That is very helpful. What arm and table combinations are you guys using with this cartridge? Pani, can give us some further perspective on the weaknesses of the XX2MKII and Delos relative to the ART9? I know the XX2MKII well so that might give me a sense of what the ART9 has to offer.

Hey Pani, I've been patiently waiting for someone to post some meaningful insight to my next cart purchase.

Nice review that speaks to me.

I've lived with an OC9III after trying a couple of popular 1K MC's-Sumiko Blackbird and Benz Glider.While each cart has their particular strength,the OC9 has enough of both carts along with being HALF the price. . My table and downstream components would justify such extravagance as a 2K+ cart, but not my wallet.While the OC9 doesn't match what the others have, it gives enough relative to the price.

If the ART9 follows the same performance/value thread as the OC9, seems exactly what I'm expecting from the ART9.

I would try the ART 7 if it had a bit more output. 1.2mv would be a stretch for my 60db phono without an additional transformer.

Dodgealum, both the xx2 mk2 and Delos are relatively coloured in the tone and timbre when compared to a master tape like neutrality of the ART9. The xx2 will also sound veiled compared to the ART9. The Delos is transparent but it is not as fluid. The ART9 reveals more micro details than either, sounds more sparkling and pure than either. I already said that it is one of the most fluid sounding cartridges I have heard. In that regard it is like a Nude SPU which I had for some time. If you compare an xx2 to a Delos, you will find that the Delos has more bass power, goes bit higher in treble but it doesnt sound as integrated as an XX2. These are all weaknesses that is addressed in the Kleos (as per a audiophile friend). The xx2 of course has a more coherent presentation than the Delos which makes it a bit more musical but probably not as much sparkle or dynamic range as the Delos. Going to a higher Dynavector removes the veil that I had mentioned earlier and improves the dynamics over all. These weaknesses are apparent when you live with these cartridges and hence the upgrade path is available. I do not feel an iota of upgraditis when listening to music on an ART9. It just feels like a great balance of all the musical and audiophile attributes we look for.

Tablejockey, the performance/value of ART9 is extremely high. Compared to the OC9 mk2 you will hear a huge leap in dynamics and resolution if your phono and amplifier is up to it. ART7 needs an appropriate SUT, no point even trying it with an active MC phonostage.

I forgot to mention, my turntable is a Nouvelle Platine Verdier (Auditorium 23 revision) with SME M2-12 tonearm, Naim Superline + Supercap phonostage.

Pani, I have two active phono stages with over 76db gain(Pass XP-25 and modified hybrid Atma MP-1) that are excellent matches to ART7 without a SUT.

In fact both phono stages work well with a .05mV Ortofon MC2000, albeit with a bit of tube rush from the Atma LS at high volume.

The ART7 has similar qualities as ascribed to the ART9 and no short-fall of dynamics. It also took 100+ hours to reveal its best. FWIW, in a race between LOMC cartridges with non-permeable coil formers(e.g. ART7, DL-S1, MC2000) I do favor the old MC2000, notwithstanding background noise that becomes imperceptible the moment the needle drops.