Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

Thanks, Pani. Were you able to make comparisons between the ART9, the XXIIMkII and the Delos in the same exact system--i.e. without any downstream changes? I only ask because your comments and my experience with the OC9MLII are causing me to give serious consideration to an upgrade to the ART9 however I will have to base my decision on very limited information (i.e. your comments) because there are no reviews and I will not be able to demo the cartridge (and even if I could it would be in a completely different system). Also, would you mind sharing the rest of your system just to get a better idea of what you are running and how that might factor into the differences you heard between the carts? Sorry--no Spanish Inquisition intended here just trying to get as much info as possible from limited sources before making a pretty expensive purchase.

Dodgealum, I have heard the Delos and ART9 in my own system but not the xx2. I had the Dynavector 17D3 in my system but that was no where in comparison.
Regarding review, you probably wont get to read professional reviews of ART9 unless you understand Japanese and can dig out some Japanese audio magazines. The way AT is marketing their top end carts, it is almost like a product that is meant for internal (meaning Japanese) consumption only.

My system is
Nouvelle Platine Verdier turntable
SME M2-12 tonearm
Naim Superline + Supercap phonostage
Lamm LL2 preamp
Wavac EC-300B amplifier
Tannoy Turnberry SE speakers
Cables are a mix of ASI Liveline, Auditorium 23 and Mogami 2803

Thank you Pani for an excellent response to my opening post. You've pretty much made the decision for me. I love the sound of my OC9 Mk III, so a step up to the ART9 should be just the ticket. As a side note, the OC9III is superb on mono records. I'm a jazz collector and have many ... MANY mono jazz recordings.

To quote you: "Dynavector 17D3 in my system but that was no where in comparison."

How did the Dynavector compare with the ART9 in your system? I have a friend who raves about the neutrality of the 17D.

Thanks again for responding.

My system:

Well Tempered TT modified.
ARC REF-75
ARC REF-3
ARC PH-8
ARC CD-7se
Legacy Signature III's

I have limited edition dual-coil Audio-Technica ART-2000 MC (only 1000 made for Japan market 15 years ago, refference line). It's one of my favorite MC cartridge along with much higher priced ZYX Airy 3S and Zyx Premium 4D X.

Pani,
Your time with the ART9 is encouraging. I am have been eliminating other contenders from my buy list and saving at least $700+ going with the ART9.

The ART9 just may be the cart that stays mounted on the VPI for more than a year.

Guess I will need to hit the "buy now" and report back.

I don't find my OC9III particularly fussy regarding setup, are you noticing anything requiring extra attention?

The only thing I find odd about AT carts are the lack of threaded holes in the body.