I was looking in the $600-$1000 range. I had a Shelter 501 MkII on it for a year before the cartridge failed. Axiss refused to warranty it so I won't deal with them anymore. One of the best sounding cartidges for the money. I had a Benz ruby II which sounded a bit thin and lacked dynamics. A bit overpriced but aren't they all. The dealer recommended the grado sonata but it seems I should go a different direction.