Buy a Grado for around $90 - $150. It is a moving-iron (MI) type with output of about 3.5 mv. It is not affected by cable capacitance, unlike MM types with high coil inductance. Consequently a Grado has a wider frequency bandwidth and faster transient response. Grado does make some nicer-looking wood-bodied models for $300 and up. In your case a lower-priced model will do just fine!
Inexpensive MM Cartridge
Hi All. I'm helping a friend who has a late 1970's Pioneer PL12 turntable. The manual TT is in good working order, bearing and motor lubed, etc. We need a MM cartridge to mount on the stock S-shaped tonearm. Budget is up to around $300. Suggestions please! Thanks, and Happy Holidays!