Micro Acoustics vs Grace F-9 MM's

Dear Ken: I own the F-9, the Ruby, the MA 2002e and its big " brother the MA 630.

I don't have ( yet ) opportunity to hear the 2002e ( I have many cartridges: around 80-90. ) but the MA 630 is something especial and way better than the F9 and with a different presentation than the Ruby but I can say at the same quality performance level.
In this thread you can read something on the Ruby performance:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667

I agree with you that all these " old " cartridges are very fine. The Grace cartridges and the MA 630 are IMHO better than the " early " Shure's. I will try to find some time to test the MA 2002e that for what I know/read somewhere is a very fine cartridge too.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

I have, like Rauliruegas, all the mentioned cartridges. My opinion is the Ruby sounds best. It is running in a Sony x800 linear tracking table. I also have a Shure V, but I give the edge to the Ruby. Well worth a listen. Ruby's have gotten pricey recently, going for over $500. My main table is a VPI Aries I running a Clearaudio Victory H. It does have the edge over the Ruby.

I am also on the Grace F9E side of the street, but will take it one notch above. If you send the Grace into SoundSmith and have their $250.00 retip service done, this new cartridge will compete with any MM out there and IMHO be the best. I've owned hundreds of cartridges over the years and really prefer to listen to the Grace above all else.

I sold both the Micro Acoustics and Grace line of cartridges in my store, back in the 80's and always sold way more of the Grace's than the Micro Acoustics, for whatever that's worth.

Many thanks guys for posting the info...Raul,Thank you Sir... I read your assessment of the various MC and MM's you've listened to in different arms. Very well done. It gives a more fair telling of their virtues that way indeed.

Mofi- I have a F9E on the way and may just contact Peter at SS for his re-tip service after a brief listen at least. Plan for a long wait is what I hear ;-)

I have owned the Clearaudio Maestro recently, and can give it some comparison while still fresh in my mind. I have a suspicion I will really enjoy the Grace!