1K sleeper MC cart?

Don’t send it to Soundsmith. Complete waste of money. It will never ever sound the same and will not have the magic you like. Just buy a new one, it’s part of the hobby. ART9 is a fantastic MC.

If you like Audio-Technica you can try earlier models in the ART series, i’ve been using ART-2000 and it’s a killer MC under $750. If you want something different then Fidelity-Research PMC-3 with its unique Air Core Coil is the closest to fabulous FR-7f, but much cheaper, you can find PMC-3 under $800 if you’re lucky. Use FR cartridges never have any problem with dampers. Search for J.Carr’s comments on audiogon about FR cartridges including PMC-3.

Of course the AT-ML170 MM with MicroLine stylus on Gold-paled hollow pipe Boron cantilever is a strong contender to any MC including your ART-9 in case you would like to try Moving Magnet instead. Highly recommended.

Send it to Soundsmith it will probably come back sounding better.

No, it won't.

I have the AT art9 , mc cart, i am wondering when you say rebuild the cart you mean  re-tip? If so it was my understanding you cant re -tip this cart, perhaps it means you cant do it yourself, but have to send it in, anyhow if you get this rebuilt i sure would like to know the end result, price paid for service and sound of cart after work, and the company name ,tele# etc. I got about 300-400 hrs on mine so i got lots of time before it poops , but accidents can happen too. BTW i didnt have a warranty on mine , i bought it for barely over 900.00 new w/o warranty