Month old ART 9 here.
I replaced an OC 9III, which replaced a couple of 1K carts.
The OC9III was a good enough compromise especially for half the price.
Unfortunately, the shortcomings eventually wore me down, and I bit the bullet and opened my wallet once again.
No regrets, I hear a very convincing presentation.Deep,taut bass and clear,articulate mids/highs with no mush or etch.
The ART 9 is the "sleeper" budget super cart. Why there isn't more reviews
on it is a mystery. |
Yes OP,the value of everything is skewed beyond humanity.
Not that it matters at this point, but did you consider the ART 7 before getting the 9?
You seem to be a classical fan, and when I picked up the 9, the dealer mentioned the 7 as the choice between the 2. The 7 is completely different(non magnetic core vs magnetic) and supposedly more capable of nuance, required for classical/ acoustic jazz. The 9 has more punch, for rock and such. Choosing either one isn't a wrong decision IMO.
The limiting factor for the 7 is very low output, so if your phono stage isn't up to the task, it won't perform as expected. It's also a couple of bucks cheaper, which makes it VERY ATTRACTIVE.
My collection of Living Stereo/lLiving Prescence, period pressings sound fantastic. I can't imagine what I'm "missing?" The 9 does need to be played thru an equally competent phono stage to be appreciated. |
I believe my ART9 now has enough miles to declare it settled in.
Unquestionably kicks the OC9 to the curb. I will also include my Benz Glider and Sumiko Blackbird. This is just my system, so perhaps these in another setup would result in a different opinion.
The AT50 still has me wondering about the "perceived superiority" of its non permeable core and performance. It is afterall, the current top dog in the AT lineup. |
Pani, you have a system a few notches above mine, so I can imagine how the the 9 sounds in your system.
Hindsight, I could have saved over 2k forgoing my 2 other carts.
Guess it's part of the hobby. I've certainly blown ridiculous amounts of cash on other obsessions.
The AT50 unlikely to ever happen here. The cost difference in addition to an SUT/cables for me would justify upgrading my table/phono.
I'll just buy and listen to more records. |
At least in my system, the 9 doesn't appear to be sensitive to switching the load knob on my phono amp. I just leave it at 100.
The ART9 seems dig out more detail and present more realism/ impact than other carts on my table. It is a rockin AND capable cart for serious Jazz or Classical. What a great buy! |
Lewm, also check out AT MONO3LP (HOMC) @ LP Gear. Looks like a no brainer.
Based on ATs reputation for great value carts, for 200 bucks even if you didn't like it, you won't feel beat up spending the cash.
Perhaps it's a sleeper mono cart as the ART9 is to super carts. |
"There are a lot of cartridges out there for 1K why should I be getting the ART9"
I shared my impressions of going from the OC9III. Check page 1.As mentioned, I also played with a couple of popular 1k carts.
Since "good sound" is subjective, I would say if you like the overall presentation of the OC9, the ART9 offers refinement in areas the OC9
comes up short. System dependent, I heard high frequency "busy" passages as sizzly. ART9 low end more realistic-taut,defined. Vocals on nice recordings take on a other level of "you are there"
Across the spectrum, simply more REAL than the etchy, shrill OC9. I REALLY liked the OC9 before taking the leap of faith.
If your phono stage is up to the task, also consider the ART 7. It can be found for a few bucks less, and I believe it may offer a smidge more refinement OVER the ART9. It's very low output and its motor completely different.
The ART 9 ROCKS! Not to be construed as a R&R cart only. ALL music sounds fabulous thru the ART9. |
Bill K, EBay list several Japanese vendors, which likely is the only place you're gonna find the ART 7.
Pani & Oregon Papa, I'm finding thru my tubed phono the ART9 isn't sensitive to loading and just leave it at 100, the recommended setting.
Same result when I had the OC9 III.
Perhaps it a system dependant thing, only MM seems to respond to playing with the loading knob on my Fosgate. Fabulous cart!
Nice to see this thread still going strong. I think the only reason I would swap out the 9, is to try the 7. And that isn't going to happen anytime soon since it would require an additional boost in gain(Xformer)I believe there may be subtlety and nuance to be gained going with the 7. Or perhaps I would just get the AT50ANV,just because. |
OP, the 9 unquestionably delivers the goods. This thread is starting to become a cult!
I'm more of a multi genre listener and the 9 doesn't appear to be a specific
sounding cart, just sounds natural and plays either a great recording or terrible one.
Comparing what I've heard on unobtanium systems and mine, I hear perhaps 80-90% ?
Maybe what's holding the 9 from sounding even nicer may be my phono stage, but maybe not much. |
Bflodave, I have read owners using various 1k carts on their Technics. Youre aware any cart, must have a competent phono stage to support it as well.
If I had a table with a $400 cart along with an equally priced phono amp, I don't think I would invest that kind of dough in such a cart. Just using this as an example. Unlikely to hear what some of us have been gushing about. |
Bflodave, you have nice equipment. Someone here knows Technics, but I'm guessing the ART9 wouldn't be underserved. I'm not qualified to determine any compatibility issues?
If anything, you can always get a new table to go with the cart! |
"Any info/impressions on the ART-9 with this Project 9cc arm?"
Catcher, I can't speak for your arm/cart combo. I have spent some time with the AT OC9III, now the ART 9. Previous OC9 owners using the ART 9 all seem to nod their heads in approval.
A sonic upgrade in EVERY category. Unlikely you will not like what you hear. The OC9 will sound shrill and fall short in complex music against the ART9.
The cart is also worthy of an equally priced phono amp or more if your budget allows.
Side 1 of Yes-CTTE will have a new meaning with the ART9
If that album doesn't rest in your collection of Prog, well.....
"I get up, I get down"....the swell of the church organ....GLORIOUS!!!
Load it at 100 ohms as the instructions suggest, VTF @ 2 grams(or obsess with -.1 or less) and enjoy.
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J_damon-
I feel your disappointment, especially after shelling out so much cash.
Send a pic to the vendor, have them email you a return label for a new one.
The hassle is worth the performance you will get out of the ART 9.
Mine has been keeping me happy on my VPI Classic for a 1 1/2 years.
Good luck
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I'm happy to report my 1 1/2 year old ART 9 just got a long overdue stylus cleaning with the magic eraser.
The entire cantilever had built up gunk and the once clean diamond was lost in the crud.
A couple of dips, brush away the stray micro fibers, the cart looks new!
If I ever wear the ART 9 out, I will buy another one. No need to spend more UNLESS I have a significantly upgraded table and system. Then, I would just get the ART 1000! |
"Having lived with the 9 for over a year now, I'm really wondering at what cost will a worthwhile improvement come at?"
ps68- I mentioned in another thread at some point, we should see a MKII model and perhaps there is something to fill in the considerable gap with the 9&1000?
Following what's been done with other other models, kinda expected?
Been playing mine for 1.5 years, if a revised model came out, I would buy one.
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Just thought I'd stop in and shovel some coal in the boiler of the ART9 train.
Good to see there's plenty of steam still movin this thread.
Closing in on 2 years use here. STILL rockin without any desire to upgrade(unless 50k falls in my lap to completely redo everything)
Has anyone heard the ART 1000 yet? I realize it's in a different league for uber setups, so I'm thinking most here wouldn't bother with such decadence.
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wrxified-
the best setup may be to just experiment with your options and go with what sound best to your ears.
The ART 9 should sound great with the Prime. I hear excellent results with my Classic through a tube phono
Loading doesn't seem to be an issue with my setup. I just leave it at 100ohms. Happy listening
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"So now that you've got the TT and cartridge squared away, you might think about pushing the envelope with the first gain stage."
wrxified- jollytinker has offered sage advice. You have a $5k setup, that deserves
a highly competent phonostage. If I had your table, I would consider a unit up to $3-4k retail(half used)
Also, Fremer gave that Iphono a thumbs up for its price point.If value SS is your bag, another unit to check out.
That table deserves to be presented in its best light. Being a tube fan, there are seems to always be listings for nice units. Allnic,Audio Research,Herron,Manley...
all can be negotiated for a deal.
Play the music LOUD!
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My ART 9 has hit the 2 year mark, and I STILL have no desire for an upgrade.
Spent a couple of hours at the LA show,Friday. Interesting stuff, but IMO same ol, same ol unless, you're into digital playback and cans. Seems there's always something new in those catagories.
Will drop in for a few more hours today, Saturday.
The REALLY nice table/cart setups played my LP's with amazing sonics, but the cost difference is significant.
The ART9 with a decent table and appropriate system really is a "working mans" cartridge.
I hope AT come out with a VII version in the future, so I will have a reason to buy a another one.
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I drank the Kool Aid 5 years ago..... I REALLY want to try the XA, but only have 60dbs of gain. Recently crashed my 2nd ART9, so I'm lookin'. You can hear the differences of the ART9 on this cheap turntable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QA1jw5Pj7Y&feature=youtu.beI like the XA sound. I could live with any version, but the XA has a tiny bit more of convincing "real". |
