Comparing Grace F9 to Empire EDR9 cartridge

My Grace F9 arrived yesterday, mounted on the Grace HS 4 Headshell ("with a very rare Grace stylus that only came out at the end of era" -- seller's description). I mounted it on my Jelco SA-750E 10 inch tonearm, but could not get the tonearm to increase VTF higher than 1.2 grams (which is the manufacturer's recommended VTF; however, I always want to go higher than recommended VTF). I guess Grace headshell is super light?

Grace F9 replaced my beloved Empire EDR9 (I love that cartridge dearly). First listening impressions:

Much higher output than Empire EDR9. Had to lower the volume by at least 20% or more.

From the descriptions I've read about Grace F9 (I was doing my homework before ordering it), I was expecting a much different sonic character. Instead of sweet, mellow, laid back, this newly mounted cart surprised me with its forceful, authoritative, precise performance. In comparison, Empire EDR9 sounds much, much sweeter and more relaxed.

Is the hardness in sound due to Grace F9 needing a bit of break-in? I tried to contact the seller with some post-sales questions, no reply.

On the positive side, I am hearing more details with Grace than I hear with Empire. Also, on some tracks I perceive fantastic flow of music. Everything is well balanced. In comparison with Empire, Grace delivers weaker, more balanced, less pronounced bass. Vocals and instruments seem to have more texture/colour. Music feels more articulate.

Overall, really good cartridge, the only thing not to my liking is the relative hardness, less sweetness when compared with Empire. Of all sonic characteristic one can tweak in one's audio system, my favourite is sweetness. Even at the expense of transparency, detail, slam, weight, etc.

I will continue with my listening tests and report back, and would also appreciate some comments/suggestions. Should I add spacers to the headshell? (I have few good spacers in my drawer) I'd like to increase the VTF, just to see if that may 'fatten' the sound a bit. Overall, Grace feels extremely neutral, but leaning towards 'lean' sound. I must say I'm not a big fan of lean, analytical sound.