Is there a better deal than the AT OC-9 at 200?

Not in that price range. If you want to spend a little more, the Clearaudio is definitely a step up (but it's also costs $350). I haven't heard the Denon DL103 but I think Origin Live sells them for about $140 or so... that may be a serious contender.

In these days of cartridges like the OC9, the DL103, the Dynavector, Clearaudio Beta, I simply can not justify anyone spending more than $350 on a cartridge. The money is better spent on records (just to note that I have 4 turntables including a Well Tempered Classic with the Beta, a VPI TNT 2.5/JPW Memorial with an ATOC9... these cartridges are not embarrased by the company).

I have a OC-9 on my Linn with a Ekos arm and am quite pleased, after listening to a friends LP12 with a Arkive I plan to upgrade to that when funds allow but there is a 2K difference in price.

Needle Doctor has the Ortofon MC25FL for $250, haven't heard it but it's on my short list of cartridges in that price range.I'm giving some serious thought to buying the OC-9, from what I understand, you want to make sure you get the OC-9 with the Microline stylus and not the older version without it. Does anybody know when these were last made?

I am using the denon 103 cart right now and am very happy with the sound. For the price, i think its probally hard to beat. Im somewhat new to the vinyl game, but have heard quite a few truely wonderful sounding systems. The AT is supposed to be great, i just thought id give an opinion on the denon.