Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

Catcher 10

AT will not only provide no support for warranty repair but will provide not support of 'ANY' repairs if the item was not bought from an authorized US supplier.  This is even if you agree to pay all charges. I find this a bit strange but I do understand them supporting their sales staff.  Thankfully we have aftermarket re-tippers who are willing to take our money.
Regards,

Wanted to report; I ordered the art9 through eBay, last Monday, from 2juki - the Hong Kong vendor. I received a confirming email the next day; couple of days later I got shipping status and tracking number; on Saturday a messenger service showed up and delivered the cart. The box was sealed and, after inspection, there was no apparent damage.

Even though I had my turntable off-line for re-capping and service (thought delivery would take at least two weeks), I was able to get the cart mounted on a headshell and playing to verify that it was fully functional. The eBay guarantee assures that the item arrives as advertised. Perhaps if there is some down-the-line problem with it, I would regret not buying through a US source, but for now I'm pleased.

As to performance, even after a hasty setup and limited listening, the art9 is clearly a high-end performer. I'll report my listening impressions on the other thread later; but I wanted to let readers know about my buying experience.

Excellent, wanders ... 

It's a wonderful cartridge ... especially after 50 hours or so. 

A communication from Audio Technica has confirmed that LP Tunes is an authorized dealer.  Very strange marketing on the part of Audio Technica USA which doesn't list the Art-9 among its offerings in North America.  Seems to me that biggest advantage of buying there would be a trade-in for a replacement when the stylus has worn.  Does anyone who has bought from LP Tunes know what the terms are for that?

No problem dealing with 2juki, ebay (buyer protection) always on the buyer side if something wrong with the cartrige, but he sell (for example) ZYX with fake serial numbers, i mean someone replaced the serial numbers makes them looks like it’s factory serials buy they are clearly not!

It’s a tipical grey market dealer’s trick to manipulate with serials, so indeed no support from the official dealers or manufacturers. It’s grey market war... Anyway it’s a strange feeling when you have a cart with fake serial number.