New Audio Technica ART9XA Up and Running.....

I too was rather surprised to learn that the XA uses a Shibata stylus shape.  Not that I have a firm conviction regarding Shibata SQ but more because I would prefer the line contact.  On the other hand, since these terms that describe stylus shape are so loosely applied, who knows?  Maybe the AT Shibata is not a classical Shibata shape.

@dibsinfo 

I had both and the decision should come down to how much gain your phono preamp provides.  the XA sounds spectacular with the right amount of gain- e.g. 66db minimum, 64db was not enough for me. The XA has better internal wiring and a cleaner, more pure sound and better dynamics but the low .2mV output really demands a quality preamp with enough gain. 

The XI is higher output and can shine with as little as 56db gain. 

Pick the one your preamp can support. 

Thanks @avanti1960 - I have EAR 834P phono which can easily do 68db on MC, which I think should be able to handle the XA. But my concern is again the Shibata stylus and not sure why they did that instead of SL My current cart is AT-OC9XSL and its amazing cart and wanted to upgrade and this was a obvious choice in AT, But the Shibata is something I am little skeptical about. 

Open for other suggestions

the shibata sounds awesome after it is burned in and burnished- e.g. 30 hours. smooth as silk and all the detail you could want.

@avanti1960 Good to hear! You're inspiring me to get around to installing and listening to my XA and Thoress PS.