Mid/High Power Phono Cartridges

I don't know if this one will be compatible w/ the Rega tonearm, but for $125 you can get an Ortofon X5 MC (2.5 mV) from member 2Juki in Hong Kong ($325 US list price). I don't think that can be beat. I would get a small ONEAC isolation transformer/filter from eBay ($25-45) for the tube pre and further improve its performance.

I like to enhance my buying power...

I second the Dynavector recommendation. I have a 20xh and I think it is a superb value. Compared to my Grado Sonata, the 20xh is more transparent and lucid sounding. I thought that the bass was lighter but it is not, it is just cleaner and faster. My friend measured it with a test record and the ouput at below 30hz was the equal of the Grado. The Grado bass is a bit loose and bloated, which helps a bass shy system.

Ultimately, as TWL mentioned the step-up is the best way to go. I have a Shelter 901 (with step-up) and it is an order of a magnitude better than the Dynavector. But it is also 3x the price plus the need for a step-up.

How about the Dynavector's? You've got 2 choices in high output moving coils from them, the 10x5 or the 20X-H. I moved from a Grado Platinum to a 20X-H and found it to be a great move. All the detail and excitement of a MC wityh a much more extended and smoother top end than the Grado. The mids are about the same as the Grado. The bass is a little lighter.

Enjoy,
Bob

I thought the Glider was a good choice.

An attractive alternative, I think, is to consider a good step-up transformer like a Bent Audio TX103 for about $800. This will allow you to access the lower output MC cartridges and will yield you better sound overall, due to this.

I know getting a step-up tranny breaks the budget you stated, because there's no money left for the cartridge. However, you can get a really good low output MC like a Denon DL103R for about $235 that will be at least a match for any Glider and, in my opinion, will be better. Or you could later on get into a Shelter 501 for about $800, and really have the ticket.

Just some thoughts about various options.