I can only concur with your reasoning and taste in cartridges and add that the Linto is the quietest phono stage I have ever heard (also very musical). I owned one for nearly a decade and should never have sold it.
On the subject of cartridges keep in mind that many low output MC makers offer core trade incentives to keep customers with their line of product. Inquire with each company your considering and then look on AudioGon or Ebay for a suitable (spent)trade in piece which will cost you far less than the core trade value in many cases. This plan of attack may open up your choices with affordability. I was able to save almost 1/3rd of the cost of Linn's Akiva cartridge two years back with this move.
Happy Listening!
On the subject of cartridges keep in mind that many low output MC makers offer core trade incentives to keep customers with their line of product. Inquire with each company your considering and then look on AudioGon or Ebay for a suitable (spent)trade in piece which will cost you far less than the core trade value in many cases. This plan of attack may open up your choices with affordability. I was able to save almost 1/3rd of the cost of Linn's Akiva cartridge two years back with this move.
Happy Listening!