Purchasing from LP Gear

I would spend the extra bucks for the latest version of ART9, whatever the alphanumeric designation. LP Gear is ok for this purchase IMO. I’d be careful buying a replacement stylus for MM cartridge from them however. Read the fine print.

AR lists that model as discontinued. But there is always the pipeline that lags in supply.  The other models you listed are the updated models. 
Have you listened to the ART9?

This series is intriguing, and from a major manufacturer. I may try the XA and/or XI. 
I’m an old Signet TK10ML user, and a spare styli waiting to install  soon. 
However, a new phono-pre is due here soon, so may wait on that. 
To the OP, I have no experience as yet. 

+1 to. tomic601

Nobody wants to deal with international shipping and receiving, even for a small box.

I really appreciate all the responses.  Despite the fact that LP Gear's website still states that they have the Audio Technica ART9 for sale when I finally got a return e-mail from them this afternoon it stated that they do not have it.  I think that I will avoid them in the future.  I really dislike not being able to call a merchant with whom considering doing business

Again, it’s not a big deal to buy a cartridge, every dealer can sell a new cartridge if they got it in stock. The real problem is how this dealer can help his buyer when a cartridge stylys is worn out, if the dealer can ship it back to the manufacturer to get a new one (or next model) with special discount then it’s the real dealer. Manufacturer support their customers via their dealers, with MC cartridge you have no choice when it’s worn, for AT’s MicroLine stylus profile it’s about 2000 hrs and then your stylus tip is worn. Manufacturer will not accept a cartridge from you or from your grey market dealer, but they will accept a worn cart from their official distributor in your country amd their dealers. The benefit is about 40% discount for a new (next) cart if you send your first (worn) back.