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Deciding on new TT and either a Zephyr MIMC vs an Audio Technica ART9

I think I decided that my new TT will be a VPI Super Prime Scout from Upscale Audio. If you're not familiar it's a VPI Prime Scout that has been upgraded with a 10.5” JMW-10 aluminum tonearm,  VPI's VTA on-the-fly tonearm base,  the 20-pound platter that's on the Prime and Classic series and VPI's Deluxe Delrin/Stainless steel screw-down record clamp.

They sell that with the Zepher MIMC but I asked them to get back to me with a comparison between that and the ART9.

In the past, based on my musical taste(Blues, Vocals, Rock) and Set-up (Ayre EX-8, Herron VTPH-2A, and Quatro Wood CT), people suggested the ART9.  At the time I was considering the Technics TT, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with this VPI. I'd love some guidance on the cartridge with this tonearm/unit.

Cheers,
Jim
jetson
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Soundsmith fixed coil has a tiny fraction of the moving mass of MC. Lower moving mass, lower noise, lower record wear, far superior sound. That VPI thinks enough of it to match it with their table and arm would seem to clinch the deal.

I have the Herron. Why anyone would think to pair that supremely neutral stage with a lean hifi sounding ART is a puzzler. If you ask about anything it would be to upgrade to an even better Soundsmith, I would think.
dodgealum
1,400 posts
 
Sent you a PM. Happy to chat about both, which I compared directly in my system.
tablejockey
3,807 posts
 
Purely subjective. Neither is "better." SS does offer the affordable rebuild if you crash the stylus.

Using a an ART9 for the second time on my VPI. THE SS may have an edge,since it physically is a lower mass assembly, making the magic.

If they were the same price, I would go SS.

I just replaced a lower level SS(which is surprisingly good) for the ART9 only because it was priced to sell.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I’ve heard that official Audio-Technica exchange of the ART-9 to a new ART-9 is very reasonably priced too, but you have to buy from the official dealer only, ask them about it! Do not bother with retip (when it’s time), you will get a new ART-9 cart with serious discount from AT if you can send them your worn ART-9 via official distributor only.
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