Has anyone upgraded from an AudioTechnica ART9?

How does one make the upgrade? My expecations for buying a $2-$5k cart are through the roof.

Before the ART9 I used an Ortofon 2M Black.

jbhiller09-20-2019 12:54am

tablejockey Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,069 posts 09-20-2019 at 06:29pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete jbhiller- A little over a year ago,I replaced my 9 with a Kiseki Blue. It was a rare opportunity to get it for a very good price. It's a $2500 retail cart..They are going for about $2K on sale. While it has subtle refinement over the 9, Its difficult to justify 2x the cost, at least in my system. I think using a cart that approaches half the retail of my table or phonostage is my gauge for max. I'm assuming you have the best phonostage for your budget?
tablejockey Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,069 posts 09-21-2019 at 01:13pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The ART 7 can also be found here http://www.elusivedisc.com/Audio-Technica-AT-ART7-Dual-Moving-Coil-Cartridge/productinfo/AT-ART7/ Having spent time with the ART 9 and my present Kiseki Blue, I would look into the 7 , but I don't want to bother with additional gain via step up. My phonostage is only 60 db's. 1.2 mv is a wee bit low.