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AT-ART9XI Cartridge - Reduced Compliance

Hi folks, I'm leaning toward the AT-ART9 cartridge for my SME V.  The new version - the ART9XI - has a thicker solid boron stylus (was .26mm, now .28mm) and slightly lower compliance (was 18, now 15 x10-6).

The newer version costs $300 more ($1,300 v. $1,000).  I'm inclined to buy the old one.  Any opinions?  (Please keep in mind I bought my SME V 30 years ago when it was $2k even.)  Thanks in advance!
keegiam
jperry
2,482 posts
 
I think it would be fine but look here if you want more tools for measurement

https://www.vinylengine.com/tools.shtml
hondo's avatar
hondo
22 posts
 
I have the ART9XI, ART9XA, and older ART9 cartridges.  In my main system I have two turntables one with the XA and other with the XI.

My ART9 is warmer sounding than the newer  ART9XI.  I prefer the ART9XI over the ART9.  

Classical music accounts for the majority of my listening.  The clarity of the ART9XA makes it my classical music favorite.

If I arm going to listen to some blues, then it is the ART9XI.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,180 posts
 
Cantilever, not stylus!
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
a thicker straight stylus sounds better than a skinny bent one  :)

i love my art9 (original) and would not feel the need for more detail, i like its balance and slightly warm nature

then again i run a solid state phono stage.... ymmv
avanti1960
1,589 posts
 
The XI will sound less warm, more transparent and neutral. Even in this video you can hear the difference.

I owned the 9 for a few years and loved it. works best with a low mass arm e.g. 9 grams or so. - your tonearm will work better with the XI.

as long as the XI keeps the squeaky clean colorful refinement of the '9, i could easily live with a more neutral sound.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=1QA1jw5Pj7Y&feature=emb_logo
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