Audio-Technica AT-ART9 phono cartridge

Probably have a 25 or so. Have played one of the Beatles mono reissue. Really livened up SPLHCB and going to play the 45 rpm version of "Surrealistic Pillow" soon, when I feel like changing sides every 8 minutes. Looking forward to it. 

Had a listening session with an audiophile friend tonight and the conversation eventually came around to the ART-9.  The consensus was that the ART-9 never draws attention to itself, but just simply disappears.

Right now I am listening to "Tracker" by Mark Knopfler. The cartridge is so well balanced top to bottom with only the slightest dip in midrange execution, but then I am used to a Grado's forward midrange. It keeps getting better with every listening session. During "Basil" the acoustic guitar is sublime. Can't wait for the 150 hour mark. 

Thanks for the recommendation guys!

Not surprising that an ART9 would completely crush a Grado MCZ.  MCZ was noticeably inferior to Grado TLZ and XTZ, 30 years ago, to my ears in my system, of course.  (I don't mean to sound snotty, but maybe I do.  Sorry.)  I still have the TLZ, but my sample seems to have lost "something" after 30 years in storage; I brought it out last year for a trial re-run.  It probably would benefit from some patience, while the suspension loosens up, if it will ever loosen up. I've got an ART7, still in the box.

lewm- have you setup the ART7? Let us know your thoughts, i'm interested in taking the plunge.  BTW here rwe are a few days away from 2018, are folks still thinking the ART7/9 are still best (subjective, i understand) ~$1000 cartridges?  Thanks and Happy New Year!