I would spend the extra bucks for the latest version of ART9, whatever the alphanumeric designation. LP Gear is ok for this purchase IMO. I’d be careful buying a replacement stylus for MM cartridge from them however. Read the fine print.
Purchasing from LP Gear
I am considering buying an Audio Technica ART 9 cartridge (not the Art9XI or XA) from LP Gear off the internet. They claim to have ART9 with full USA warranty for $990.00. I have bought a lot of gear off the net, but I am not familiar with LP Gear. If anyone has experience with LP Gear, good or bad, I would very much appreciate learning about it. Thanks in advance.