Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

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.

Thanks for that. I think there's an ART9 in my future. It's too tempting to miss comparing it to the 7.

FWIW, I had a good experience purchasing an ART7 from 2juki and an AT33MONO from a Japanese Amazon seller.  In the latter instance I didn't go for rock bottom price, but rather chose a vendor with good Amazon ratings.

smctigue1, I have an ART7 that I compared awhile back to my NOS AT20SS.  The ART7 was better: more refined treble, fuller-bodied midrange and LF, and generally more natural.  I would assume the same for the ART9.