VPI Classic - New Cart needed, AT-ART9XA?

Thanks Tony,

Important thing to mention is that I live in Switzerland, not the USA, I'm an hour's drive from Benz Micro but they don't respond to my emails and from what I understand they produce a cart a week and there's quite a backlog. Anyway, I'm happy to try something else, I contacted Soundsmith and they quoted $450-$650 to retip (plus the usual shipping and customs headache), I don't think it's worth spending that much on a cartridge I paid <1000 for 13 years ago. I'm going to Japan on holiday in 2 weeks and an ART9 would cost $1100, almost 1/2 the price of a Shyla.

What do you think?

Yes, as you are over in Switzerland the U.S. source I mentioned would not be ideal. 🙂 As to the ART9, I’m not sure my personal opinion should be the basis for a decision. 😉😀 Sure, it’s a good cart, but it does not sound like a Benz. I wouldn’t feel right saying “give it a try” only for you to find that it’s not something you care for.

Have you had any opportunity in the past to listen to A-T moving coils?

I did have a AT33PTG and really liked it but it was a long time ago.