opinions about leaving Audio Technia ART-9 MC for a Ortofon Cadenza bronze mc ?

Going from an ART-9 to a Cadenza Bronze might very well be a lateral move at best. You really have to A/B them against each other to know which suits your tastes better.

Choosing a cartridge from what someone else tells you vs. live listening is fraught with danger. As an example, VPI told me what a great cartridge the Grado Gold was when I inquired about buying my (gen.1) Traveler so I took their word for it and placed my order. Much to my dismay I found the Grado to be the most boring cartridge that I ever listened to. 

A lesson learned!

Cheers,
              SB

I have two VPI Prime Signature turntables. I have had the following carts on them:

Koetsu Vermillion
Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum
Cardas Benz Silver Ruby 3
Van den Hul Crimson 
Van den Hul Colibri Stradivarius 

I can say that you will need an excellent cartridge to ever be satisfied with your turntable.  While the Koetsu carts are very mellow
they simply cannot compete with the Van den Huls. The Cardas Benz is very good but again not as good as the Van den Hul. In your price range I think a used Crimson would work very well.
The VPI arm is well suited to it.  Several are for sale on Audiogon.

Hope this helps.

BTW, I am in no way associated with any of these firms.

I have a Cadenza Bronze with less than 70 hours I’m interested in parting ways with. I use my Lyra Delos MC and Ortofon Bronze MM on my Prime and don’t use the Cadenza.  PM me if you want to discuss. 
Mike

i have an art9 and recently added a cadenza blue.  the blue sounds better, warm and smooth but more midrange clarity than the 9, also much more dynamic. i compare them regularily because i still have the 9.
 if the bronze is warmer than the blue i wouldnt want it.  

spotcheckbilly12345.... Thank you for your response, thank all the rest who replied their opinions on this topic as well, i appreciate your valuable input, SB i think you nailed it it. Probably would be a lateral move at best, this AT art 9 mc  is so good there is no point to spend alot of money and it end up being 50/50 at best a worthwhile change. Im staying with this cart till it actually needs replacing.