Steever Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 I’m currently using a Rega Ania Pro low output MC cart on my Yamaha PF-800 turntable. It sounds balanced and it’s difficult to imagine anything sounding “better”. When in the audio trade, I sold the range of Audio Technica carts (high output ATF5, ATF9, the original low output OCF7 & 9 mainly - the ART 7 followed not long afterward) and I was quite enamored by the MC-OCF9 even though also liking what Ortofon MC-30 Supers and Goldring Eroicas did. I’ve got quite a bit planned turntable wise over the next few weeks, mainly a new table and a tangential air bearing arm arriving. My phono stage is the well regarded Cyrus Phono Signature with off board PSX-R power supply so I’m not short of loading and gain options (up to 70dB on hand if needed). I’d planned on keeping the Ania Pro but have started thinking I may as well change that out too for a new experience and have started considering the ART9 options. I’d be very grateful for comments on either but I do find myself identifying with the lower output 9XA given it’s claimed superiority with regard to detail, refinement and space. I’m trying to keep an open mind though as the improved dynamics from the slightly higher output 9XI also seems appealing. Much thanks in advance for comments either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 33 minutes ago, Steever said: I’m currently using a Rega Ania Pro low output MC cart on my Yamaha PF-800 turntable. It sounds balanced and it’s difficult to imagine anything sounding “better”. When in the audio trade, I sold the range of Audio Technica carts (high output ATF5, ATF9, the original low output OCF7 & 9 mainly - the ART 7 followed not long afterward) and I was quite enamored by the MC-OCF9 even though also liking what Ortofon MC-30 Supers and Goldring Eroicas did. I’ve got quite a bit planned turntable wise over the next few weeks, mainly a new table and a tangential air bearing arm arriving. My phono stage is the well regarded Cyrus Phono Signature with off board PSX-R power supply so I’m not short of loading and gain options (up to 70dB on hand if needed). I’d planned on keeping the Ania Pro but have started thinking I may as well change that out too for a new experience and have started considering the ART9 options. I’d be very grateful for comments on either but I do find myself identifying with the lower output 9XA given it’s claimed superiority with regard to detail, refinement and space. I’m trying to keep an open mind though as the improved dynamics from the slightly higher output 9XI also seems appealing. Much thanks in advance for comments either way. I've got an ART-9 that I'm about to take off my Kuzma Stogi arm (which is going back on my Pink Triangle P Too) and fit on a Linn Ittock 11 on my Linn LP12. You're welcome to come out to Ipswich and try out the ART-9 on your Yamaha PF-800. Bring your phono stage as well. Just send me a PM if you want my details. Cheers, Andrew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steever Posted September 17 Author Share Posted September 17 Thank you for that offer. The Yamaha has a sale pending on it through another forum as of tonight and if this goes through, I’ll need to wait for the rest of my new vinyl system to come together before considering a demo. Thank you again and hopefully I can contact you soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkaramazov Posted September 21 Share Posted September 21 (edited) On 17/09/2023 at 1:10 PM, Steever said: I’m currently using a Rega Ania Pro low output MC cart on my Yamaha PF-800 turntable. It sounds balanced and it’s difficult to imagine anything sounding “better”. When in the audio trade, I sold the range of Audio Technica carts (high output ATF5, ATF9, the original low output OCF7 & 9 mainly - the ART 7 followed not long afterward) and I was quite enamored by the MC-OCF9 even though also liking what Ortofon MC-30 Supers and Goldring Eroicas did. I’ve got quite a bit planned turntable wise over the next few weeks, mainly a new table and a tangential air bearing arm arriving. My phono stage is the well regarded Cyrus Phono Signature with off board PSX-R power supply so I’m not short of loading and gain options (up to 70dB on hand if needed). I’d planned on keeping the Ania Pro but have started thinking I may as well change that out too for a new experience and have started considering the ART9 options. I’d be very grateful for comments on either but I do find myself identifying with the lower output 9XA given it’s claimed superiority with regard to detail, refinement and space. I’m trying to keep an open mind though as the improved dynamics from the slightly higher output 9XI also seems appealing. Much thanks in advance for comments either way. You mention the ART 7 in your post - have you listened to this / spent time with it? I would have guessed that it would sound similar to the ART 9XI as they are similar (I believe the XI, and not the XA is the low output variant). Both are based on an air coil design, hence the low output. I haven't heard the ART 7 or the ART 9XI. However I have heard an ART 9. It is nice sounding, but in my view the microline equipped AT MCs I have experienced sound more detailed, and are easier to set up. The microline stylus is comparable to the line contact on the ART cartridges, some would say theoretically at least better. Anyway, given your previous experience with AT cartridges, you might want to also consider the lower priced AT OC9XML or the AT33 PTG. Both have microline stylus mounted on boron cantilever, and will offer a high quality sound in a way that is likely different, and perhaps better, than your rega cartridge. Edited September 21 by mkaramazov 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steever Posted September 22 Author Share Posted September 22 (edited) 21 hours ago, mkaramazov said: You mention the ART 7 in your post - have you listened to this / spent time with it? I would have guessed that it would sound similar to the ART 9XI as they are similar (I believe the XI, and not the XA is the low output variant). Both are based on an air coil design, hence the low output. I haven't heard the ART 7 or the ART 9XI. However I have heard an ART 9. It is nice sounding, but in my view the microline equipped AT MCs I have experienced sound more detailed, and are easier to set up. The microline stylus is comparable to the line contact on the ART cartridges, some would say theoretically at least better. Anyway, given your previous experience with AT cartridges, you might want to also consider the lower priced AT OC9XML or the AT33 PTG. Both have microline stylus mounted on boron cantilever, and will offer a high quality sound in a way that is likely different, and perhaps better, than your rega cartridge. The XA has the “better” Shibata diamond and the lower mass, non-magnetic core and is, I believe, the closer replacement to the earlier model. The XI version seems to be the answer for those seeking more output and who’re prepared to sacrifice a little refinement. I found this helpful: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/support/audio-solutions-question-of-the-week-how-do-i-choose-between-the-art9xi-and-the-art9xa-phono-cartridges/ A search of the classifieds does turn up a couple of the original ART9 (no suffix earlier model) going for very attractive $$$. I’ve budgeted around $2k or a little more so would probably go brand new. My Ania Pro was brand new when I put it onto my Rega and there’s a peace of mind that comes with that. Edited September 22 by Steever 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steever Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 (edited) Interesting experience this morning: In the process of selling my Yamaha turntable, I got to hear my Ania Pro against a run in Audio Technica AT-OC9XSH (solid boron cant and Shibata stylus) and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it even though it was less expensive than the Rega. No changes were made to the loadings in the phono stage. Initial impressions are a sweeter upper mid and treble and a little more air. I’m convinced more now this is a road I’d like to travel. Edited September 24 by Steever 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steever Posted October 25 Author Share Posted October 25 So, I've been dithering. One minute I made a decision and next minute, wondered if I should go down the Ortofon or Dynavector rabbit holes. I honestly don't think I could lose with any of these options to be honest. In the end, I made a decision with another well known Brisbane retailer and they called y'day to say they had a 9XA waiting for me. Time to pony up! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkaramazov Posted October 25 Share Posted October 25 20 hours ago, Steever said: So, I've been dithering. One minute I made a decision and next minute, wondered if I should go down the Ortofon or Dynavector rabbit holes. I honestly don't think I could lose with any of these options to be honest. In the end, I made a decision with another well known Brisbane retailer and they called y'day to say they had a 9XA waiting for me. Time to pony up! Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the 9XA! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wimbo Posted November 4 Share Posted November 4 On 26/10/2023 at 6:56 AM, mkaramazov said: Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the 9XA! Me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steever Posted November 5 Author Share Posted November 5 I’ve been meaning to get to the shop to pick it up but we’re also in the throws of house buying and all that comes with that. Hopefully @RobbC and I can get there this coming weekend. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbC Posted November 5 Share Posted November 5 25 minutes ago, Steever said: I’ve been meaning to get to the shop to pick it up but we’re also in the throws of house buying and all that comes with that. Hopefully @RobbC and I can get there this coming weekend. sounds good mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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