In researching a cartridge to go with my Performance SE and Carbon Satisfy arm, I ran across DaveW's website. He has sample audio files of a nice variety of cartridges, including some that you are considering. To me, the Denon DL-S1 sounded really good, along with the AT OC9ML/II, Denon DL-304, AT150MLX, Goldring 1042, Ortofon 2M Black, and your Grado Reference Sonata 1 (at 38K load). He lists his equipment and pertinent info, so you could get an idea how all the cartridges compare in his setup.
Here's his site. http://daveyw.edsstuff.org/vinyl/cartridges/
When you upgrade, let us know what you ending up going with.
Here's his site. http://daveyw.edsstuff.org/vinyl/cartridges/
When you upgrade, let us know what you ending up going with.