2. analog
  3. 153151-6720

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
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
Sent you a PM. Happy to chat about both, which I compared directly in my system.
tablejockey
3,887 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.
jetson OP
140 posts
 
Thanks to you all for your input. 
@dodgealum  I'm not sure how to find messages anymore as I'm not an "insider". It may be that I'm just lost, but I can't seem to find PM's anymore.
bajaed
269 posts
 
Please post your opinions here dodgealum. Very interested in the Art9 and would love to hear your comparison. 
More to discover