Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

I'll be interested in following this thread. I've been happily using an AT OC9MLII on my VPI Scout but am interested in the potential jump in performance that the AT ART 9 might offer. Can anyone comment on the differences between the ART 7 and ART 9? Just wondering whether much of what can be had from the 9 is found in the less expensive 7. BTW: I ran a bunch of Dynavectors before the OC9, including the XX2MKII, and found the OC9 very competitive with them. Also considering a Soundsmith MI as a possible upgrade path but those have gotten VERY pricey, thus my interest in the new ART 9. Finally, I know the OC9 can be found discounted if you look around a bit--anyone found a less expensive source for the ART 9? Thanks!

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.

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.