I am a huge fan of Audio Technica cartridges. I have not owned any of their MC designs as I have been a long time user of their very excellent top of the line MM, the AT20ss and it's still one of the best sounding carts out there. I recently picked up an Ortofon A90 MC which of course is way more money than any of the items being discussed here, but this is a truly outstanding piece. If I had to send my A90 out for service, I'd be very pleased with swapping back in my AT20ss! The bottom line here is that if you go for an AT MC design, I am sure that you would be very pleased with the outcome.
Phono Cartridge for $1,000.
Currently have Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cartridge . Wanting to go to MC. Found a Hana ML and a Sumiko Blackbird on sale for $1000. I am using a Musical Fidelity M6 phonostage so it will handle all. Is it worth it to change? If so, which one? I live in the sticks in Alabama so listening is almost impossible.