Dynavector 20x2 vs Audio Technica ART-9.

Everyone's "better" will be different. I do, however use the ART 9 and tried the DV on my table. Both are good carts. "Better" is subjective. I hear the ART 9 as a little more convincing/realistic on my VPI Classic. The next person responding will have a completey different experience with the same carts.

If you have 65-70 DB's of gain, I would also consider the ART 7. It's a few bucks less, but lower output. A smidge more refined than the 9. This opinion based on trying a 7 on loan(along with step up Xfrmr) I have a VPI Classic.

You will either have the luxury of trying both, or flipping a coin. No one has your exact system to give a definitive answer. Phono stage quality, cannot be ignored as well.

Thanks for the info!

My phono preamp is an Avid Pulsus, so good quality and capable of the volume range you mentioned.

The ART-7 might be too polite for harder hitting genres, being a cart I mostly see recommended for acoustic jazz and classical.

"too polite for harder hitting genres"

I guess that could be up for debate also...I listen to many styles and made sure to play my beloved early Zep and Pink Floyd's DSOTM.

Being a couple of years back, I recall the difference as hearing subtle passages presented a tiny bit more....recognizable or in focus, for lack of better descriptors? Drum authority from Bonzo was still present, but things like the ambient stuff in DSOTM-"On the Run"-the panning of the footsteps were a tad more "real?"

This was AFTER I purchased the 9. The fact my phono stage needed a little more oomph from the extra gear$(Xfrmr) was a deal breaker as well. Im quite happy however, with the 9. IMO, I just can't justify investing 2X or more for a cart without thinking my table should be upgraded as well(upgrade anxiety)

You won't go wrong with either of your picks. Good luck

These types of questions are best answered by the OP.

Why does one ask another what one is considering as their frame of reference?

I just don’t know.

FWIW, VPI used to sell a cartridge under its own brand that was a modified Dynavector.  I am currently using my second 20X2 on my VPI Scout and love it.  I compared the new cartridge to an Ortofon Bronze moving magnet.  The Ortofon was pleasant but lacking in dynamics and the drive of live music.

I've not had the fortune to hear the AT cart. but have always read good things about it.

ONE CAVEAT...I was fortunate to have a real pro mount and adjust my newest Dynavector.  Getting the set-up exactly right makes a huge difference regardless of the brand.

Maybe if this were a car forum-
what handles curves better, Ferrari or  77' Buick Regal?

https://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrTcXLzDdFZkf4An.SKnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTIzNjNmMnJsBHNlY...

"Why does one ask another what one is considering as their frame of reference?"

Perhaps one would like to hear the opinions of others that have heard both carts. So would one refrain from posting snarky comments? Thanks.

I own both cartridges and bought the ART9 not quite a year ago seeking an upgrade to the DV20X2L.  I wanted something more transparent (like the Ortofon 2M Black, which I like but it has other issues) yet maintaining the Dynamics of the Dynavector.  
Pointed in the direction of the ART9 by some threads I had to see what the fuss was about.  
Unfortunately the ART9 is slightly less dynamic than the DV and is not as transparent as the 2M black.  
I kept going back and forth between the '9 and the DV.  
Ultimately I settled on the ART9 because even though it is slightly less dynamic and has less bass depth and extension than the DV, it does deliver a colorful clean high end sound that is magical at times.  You get lost in the cloud of sound that it produces.  It delivers detail and clarity that is so smooth it is hard to live without.  
The DV can sound less than smooth at times, slightly edgy but competent and never has what I would call a "high end" sound though.  
I really like the ART9 but my ideal cartridge would have the transparency of the 2M Black without the dirty edges.