Seeking Legit Cartridge Expert?

"I keep hearing mixed opinions about the ART9XA vs the ART9XI ."

No real "bad choice."

If you listen carefully, you might hear the differences.

Audio-Technica AT-ART9 vs AT-ART9XA vs AT-ART9XI Moving Coil Cartridge (youtube.com)

Too bad this wasn't done with a nice setup.

ANY setup will under perform without a proper phonostage. 

"Better" is infinite in these audiophool threads.

Someone else can chime in on the "better" between the XI/XA.

THE $$ uber exotic  carts use the air core (XA)build. Your Allnic has the gain, so you can use it.

Either, likely will be a good choice among the many.

Your setup has no subs? Another factor in the chase for "the sound"

Look forward to at least 10 brand/models suggested as being "the best"

Audio Technica ART9@$1500. IMO spending  more should go to a "better" table/arm.

I've had good luck with used for considerably le$$.

ART9 on VPI CLassic. Presently Kiseki Blue.

 AT ART9 has fans nearly 10 years 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/audio-technica-at-art9-phono-cartridge?highlight=Art9

IMO a cart that will give you a taste of what the super carts do for "cheap" limited to whatever the setup is.

By most accounts, your Hana is competent,  and the ears simply don't agree.

I'd go XA, get it dialed in and ROCK OUT!

"contemplating replacing my tonearm, here we go , Hifi rabbit hole approaching again.."

Are you thinking of the drop in VPI gimbal or a REAL nice arm? You can at least transfer a pricey arm to the future REAL nice $ table. You'll probably have to make your own arm board(shouldn't be difficult)?

I'm actually contemplating the same thing. I like my Classic because it looks like an old traditional table.

Whatever ART9 you decide on, good chance your ears will agree with the many fans it has.

I'd spend half of that amount and just get a "better" cart.

Your setup just needs to be optimized.

I've heard VERY NICE  VPI setups with $5k+ /unipivot.