vpi classic

latik-

I would seriously consider the older ART 7 over all of them if the phonostage has 65db's of gain. More refined than the ART 9. ART9 being more of a value proposition over the Kiseki.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ARART7.html
I own the Kiseki because of a once in a blue moon acquisition. Otherwise, too much $ for my wallet.

The Hana based on reviews, appears to be on the level subjectively as any other $1K cart.

I have the same VPI Classic. Been using the Audio Technica ART9 for many years. For $300 dollars less, you can still buy the original version.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html

$300 more, you get a threaded body and hair splitting differences. I suppose it depends on your own ears/system.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9XI.html

The ART9 was a flavor of the month for good reason.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pani-new-art-9-up-and-running?highlight=art%2B9

As mentioned the Kiseki Blue is also a great cart(I have one)if you can get it for the around the same cost, I’d chose it over the ART 9, but not at regular retail(over $2K) To my ears in my system, it offers a little more refinement over the ART9.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa56jg-kiseki-blue-n-s-brand-new-cartridges

 "I didn’t even miss my Koetsu"

Interesting testimony from a Koetsu owner. I'm actually on my second ART 9. The cantilever magically "disappeared" after 3 years with the first one.

The ART 9 certainly isn't a "downgrade" comparing to the $2K+ Kiseki Blue, which does have a touch more of refinement. 

oleschool- If you're looking for audio excitement, also consider upping your game in the phonostage department to put any cart in its best light.

                                   

oleschool-

Your phonostage appears to be up to the task. When you get the itch to hear "what's next", a phono stage higher up the food chain can make a dramatic difference.

I'm in the tube camp. The popular models start somewhere in the $2-3K range. There usually are listings for used pieces, which are good value too.

I would be all over this if I were in shopping mode. Easily a last purchase. If you ever get the urge, it can be upgraded to play with  "the best"
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa2hd3-balanced-audio-technology-vk-p6se-tube-phono-stage-mc-bat...

"I will go VAC , I almost have twice ,but I have a car and motorcycle fetish too oh and guitars"

oleschool- I get it.I noodle a LP- 65 Deluxe Reverb and pedal a $6K plastic(Carbon) bike . I haven’t visited the gear page lately, but it’s presently filled with nice deals on used phonostages, both SS/tube.

This listing caught my attention. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa577e-eastern-electric-minimax-phono-phono
For the price, anyone tube curious would be getting a great deal.
I remember when it was introduced.
http://6moons.com/audioreviews/minimaxphono/phono.html

Most of the current popular brands are listed if you’re willing to go to the next level$2k+

To my ears, somewhere in the $3-5K MSRP is a model you can say..."I’m done" I’ve demoed with my table the Manley,Herron, Allnic, Zesto. All good, but not one had a particular "better" trait for me to give up a my tubed Fosgate. Naturally, just subjective. I’ve read other Foz owners think the opposite. The 2.0 version is the one to get if you run across a listing. I’ve seen them pretty cheap, but only the 1st generation.

"I don’t think most people on Audiogon are ever "done".
sokogear-you may be right. But "done" could mean "for awhile"

oleschool-are you gonna throw down on the BAT/ART9 combo?
That’s a "done" combo until you’re ready to replace everything else!