Hana SL vs AT Art 9

Very interested in this question myself.

I haven’t but owned an ART 9 for a while—outstanding cartridge. I understand from very reliable sources that the new AT OC9 series, particularly the top line model are extremely good for the money. Maybe have a look?

I own the ART9 and have listened to both it and the Hana SL in several systems including my own. My ¢2:

I love the Hana SL, but to my mind there’s no real contest. The ART9 is unashamedly excellent given its relatively low cost and can go toe to toe with, or win against, most of the "A-list" cartridges I’ve heard here or elsewhere. Resolution is excellent. Presentation is very neutral, erring ever so slightly on the side of warmth and it’s very dynamic with lots of "body". A truly excellent cartridge regardless of price and one I’d choose over a great many overtly coloured A-listers in the blink of an eye.

For the price the Hana SL is also an excellent cartridge, but it doesn’t rise to the rarified competence of the ART9. The Hana is also highly resolved, but the Shibata doesn’t dig quite as deeply in the search for detail. Presentation is more overtly warm, though not overly so, and it is a little lacking in the dynamics department in direct comparison with the ART9. However, for the price the HANA SL is truly an excellent cartridge with only minor compromises and many will no doubt prefer its slightly warmer, slightly more laidback presentation.

Agrippa's assessment lines up with my experience. I used the ART9. Heard the Hana several times in other setups.

The 9 is more detailed and dynamic to my ears.

The Hana is a nice cart,  but for a few bucks more the ART9 may be worth the expense for a warmer system?

AGrippa;

you have the “ who’s who” of cartridges 
wonderful job

with your horn tannoy, I bet you get “ wow” dynamics

thank you for your response 

i could not tell what Phono amp you were using 

jeff