I am familiar with all of the cartridges you are considering. Before investing in new cartridges (or tonearm cable), invest some time and ask yourself a few questions...
1. Why are you considering a change, i.e. what do you hope to improve? If you change cartridges, you will get different, but not necessarily better.
2. Is your cartidge set up optimized? If you don't feel confident in set up, bribe a buddy with food and booze (after the set up). It is my experience that many (?most?) vinyl systems can benefit from dialing in the set up.
3. Is the rest of your set up optimized, i.e. cabling layout, clean connectors, speaker placement. See #1 & #2.
4. Ask yourself, would I rather spend the money on more music rather than equipment?
5. Find a way to audition each cartridge. Invest in data gathering which will ultimately be cheaper than purchasing an expensive cartridge that is not right for you. As an added bonus; you will increase your knowledge base.
6. If you reach step 6 and are still considering a change, my opinions for what it's worth...
The A90 has slightly sweeter high frequencies compared to the XV1-s. By comparison, the bass is different, punchier with the XV1-s, slightly better refined with the A90. The A90 is more forgiving with respect to set up. OTOH, other than the Colibri, no cartridge I've heard benefits more from 'spot on' set up than the XV1-s.
The Anna takes the sound of the A90 to a whole other level...deeper, better controlled bass, slightly richer mids and more delicate high frequencies. Is it worth the added investment?...that's a personal decision.
The Titan i is a great cartridge that I would rank with the A90/XV1-s level of performance. The Titan is between the A90 and XV1-s with respect to set up sensitivity and blends many of their best sonic attributes. I know some listeners who do not like the signature of the Titan high frequencies...again a matter of personal taste. If you are considering an Anna, the new Atlas should be a consideration.
Good luck!
