Cartridge reliability

@pbnaudio 

hi Peter- on a Linn Ekos 2 arm. 
Ideally, I would not spend over $2,000

thanks 

Outside of a particular arm compatibility- the Audio Technica ART9 has a following here. 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pani-new-art-9-up-and-running?highlight=art%2B9
There may some Linn owners commenting. I haven't seen any ART9 complaint/reliability threads. I've used one, tried a more expensive cart and came back to another ART9.

Have you looked at the Soundsmith lineup? MIMC is very popular.

@tablejockey 

I have looked at the Soundsmith lineup. Their shop is a short drive from my home- 

I'm not sure you can characterize cartridge makes by reliability. All the good cartridges have a warranty but, warranty service depends on the performance of the dealer and importer or company. I was worried with the disappearing stylus that they would say it was obvious damage caused by me and soak me for a replacement fee. Didn't happen. Not even close. I have probably purchased 20 or so records from them, but this was the first cartridge I ever bought from them and they immediately sent me a new one without making me return the broken one first. Consequently, if they have it I will get it from them (Elusive Disc) knowing I don't have to worry about defective items. 
I would be more worried about getting a cartridge that worked well with my arm, tracked well and had a neutral character. 

You're near Ledermann? What the heck are you doing here???!