This is the best cart that I have owned (previously: Denon dl-301ii), so I cannot speak with authority about how the Art9 stands up to carts in the USD 1000+ range; but it is certainly a high performer. (A friend feels that it outperforms his DV 17D.). Like any cart, it cannot hide a weak tonearm , mediocre phono stage, or noisy turntable, so it is dependent on its support system. Also, it is highly set-up dependent: given the line-contact stylus, horizontal alignment is critical. I used the Conrad Hoffman protractor; but I’m thinking about borrowing a set-up microscope. VTA is also important. We tried a little negative rake (tonearm sloping down toward the pivot) and the treble became overly detailed. We tried load settings from around 85R to 350R; for the moment, 150R seems about right; but, I have a feeling that it may want something closer to 200R. Time will tell.
The cart currently has around 25 hours, so there is more break-in to come; but, I am satisfied with its performance to date. I won’t try to describe the sound characteristics except to agree with the general tenor of the comments here: essentially it seems highly responsive, accurate, and un-intrusive across all frequency ranges.
I was a little concerned about tonearm/cart matching: mounting a high-compliance cart on my Grace 940, 16g tonearm. But, I have not experienced any ill effects. The cart seems to behave correctly; and there is no low frequency resonance - audible or visible. However, I did take the precaution of swapping the 12g oem head shell with a 7g magnesium model (to lower eff mass). And, my tonearm is a unipivot which tends to diminish resonance anyway.
In summary, I don’t know if the Art9 is God’s gift to analog sound; but it certainly is a fine cartridge and I don’t think anyone would regret owning one.