Has anyone upgraded from an AudioTechnica ART9?

I think the best modern designs blow away the so-called "classics", for frequency response, neutrality, dynamics, you-name-it.  Have you ever heard a Marantz 7C preamplifier in its original form, or the Marantz and McIntosh amplifiers that are so adored and that still bring prices in the 5-figure category?  How about a Phase Linear or SAE amplifier, or the Harmon-Kardon SS preamplifier that HP once declared to be the best available (back in the 70s)? I've owned some of the former group of tube gear, and they are massively colored, overly warm, with muddy bass response, etc.  The solid state stuff had different issues but was also awful by modern standards. Anyway, we can agree to disagree.
Have you gone ahead with your plan to purchase the EMT phono stage?

Just compare old Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, McIntosh, Quad to their latest models. 
I am not even talking about Western Electric :-)

Anyway, in some areas we have some better stuff today but in many areas we have lost too. The reason is, it’s all MBA driven. 

I am talking to the EMT Engineers about the 139st. Let’s see. The one they sell has only an MC input with EMT MC transformers. I am asking them to add an mm input too. 

Pani, We're far apart if you admire old Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, McIntosh, Quad solid state electronics compared to recent vintage (last 10 years, for an example).  There have been significant advances in transistor technology since the 70s and 80s, and those old circuits are needlessly complex as well (especially the Japanese stuff), with electrolytics and cheap switches in the signal path, here and there. Plus, we have much better parts these days, even if they're sometimes poorly applied. But that's OK.  I'd look at the work of Nelson Pass as an example of advanced thinking.

Dear @jbhiller  : I read that your budget is between 2k-5k but maybe is a misunderstood by my self.

Anyway, December is " down the corner " so my take is to re-tip the ART 9 and look for money for the Etna or something similar in that league at " " fair " price.

R.