Location: KY - Scotland
Posts: 5,465
I'm Mike.
They do look nice, but my OCD would start kicking in a bit with a blue cartridge on a red arm tube.
Kevin
Too busy enjoying the music....
European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..
A reliable source at Audio Technica told me that the inner workings are exactly the same and the only difference to the cart is that it now has threaded screw holes, the new Art 9 range actually replace the Art 7 and Art 9. Maybe the difference you're hearing is a new cart against one which is worn out.
As the late Colonel Sanders once said
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken!!"
I wouldn't look past AT.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Main system: Sony TTS8000; AT1010; Audio Technica Art1; The Lentek; Cambridge 851n, Yamaha NS1000.
System 2 - SBT; Technics SH-X1000 DAC; Denon PMA-850
Location: KY - Scotland
Posts: 5,465
I'm Mike.
If you consider a Benz Micro the it may be worth having a chat with Henrik at https://www.lydprodukter.dk/60-low-output-mc he is a Benz Micro main dealer and holds a large stock, and often has some very good offers, his prices are very good anyway. He is very knowledgeable and helpful, one of the better dealers IMO.
I have nothing to do with his business, just had some excellent customer service from him in the past.
Listening is the act of aural discrimination and dissemination of sound, and accepting you get it wrong sometimes.
Analog Inputs: Pro-Ject Signature 10 TT & arm, Benz Micro LP-S, Michel Cusis MC, Goldring 2500 and Ortofon Rondo Blue cartridges, Hitachi FT5500 mk2 Tuner
Digital:- Marantz SA-KI Pearl CD player, RaspberryPi/HifiBerry Digi+ Pro, Buffalo NAS Drive
Amplification:- AudioValve Sunilda phono stage, Krell KSP-7B pre-amp, Krell KSA-80 power amp
Output: Wilson Benesch Vector speakers, KLH Ultimate One Headphones
Cables: Tellurium Q Ultra Black II RCA & Chord Epic 2 RCA, various speaker leads, & links
I think I am nearing audio nirvana, but dont tell anyone.
Kevin
Too busy enjoying the music....
European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..
Listening is the act of aural discrimination and dissemination of sound, and accepting you get it wrong sometimes.
Analog Inputs: Pro-Ject Signature 10 TT & arm, Benz Micro LP-S, Michel Cusis MC, Goldring 2500 and Ortofon Rondo Blue cartridges, Hitachi FT5500 mk2 Tuner
Digital:- Marantz SA-KI Pearl CD player, RaspberryPi/HifiBerry Digi+ Pro, Buffalo NAS Drive
Amplification:- AudioValve Sunilda phono stage, Krell KSP-7B pre-amp, Krell KSA-80 power amp
Output: Wilson Benesch Vector speakers, KLH Ultimate One Headphones
Cables: Tellurium Q Ultra Black II RCA & Chord Epic 2 RCA, various speaker leads, & links
I think I am nearing audio nirvana, but dont tell anyone.
No I don't think that is the case. My older ART 9 has less than 100 hours use. I have found the newer version to be a step-up in SQ to my ears.
The AT-ART9XA replaces the ART 7 which has a lower output than the ART 9XI. The AT-ART1000 remains at the top and is bright sounding compared to the other cheaper models.
Sent by me using an appendage
SME Model 15/V tonearm, Lyra Dorian, EAR Phono Box.
Luxman 509X amp.
PMC 25 23i speakers.
Innuos/Roon/Qobuz/I-Pad. Oppo UDP-205.
Cables by Kimber, Yannis and Audioquest.
Audioquest Niagara. Tube Distinctions Mains power filter. Project RCM. Zerostat.