Good MM cart for AS-212s

Hi, as i can see effective mass of your Ortofon tonearm is 3.5g without headshell, the mid mass headshell is about 10-12g, so the total mass with shell is about 14g. 

Any suggestions would be helpful and the max budget would be $300 (although bargain giant-killers are favored ;)

probably too low for giant-killers, but very close if you considering Pickering XSV/3000SP (the SP version is better for your arm because the compliance for SP version is 15cu). With lighter headshell you could use higher compliance cartridges such as Stanton 881s mkII (compliance is 30cu). Both models have Stereohedron nude diamonds. One of the best profiles, extended frequency range, long life span. Very involving sound presentation. Highly recommended! From the golden age of analog. really great Moving Magnet cartridges for reasonable cost today. 

In my opinion those cartridges are better than modern MM cartridges at this price or even higher priced units. 

Dear @enobenetto : You can choose between Ortofon, Nagaoka, Goldring, Audio Technica, Sumiko today MM cartridges.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa15e3-sumiko-bluepoint-special-evo-iii-homc-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9echh-sumiko-olympia-mm-moving-magnet-cartridge-brand-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa144h-cambridge-audio-alva-mc-high-output-moving-coil-cartridge-new-23977-cartridges

this is the top of the Ortofon line but you can choose the Red or Blue:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa10g1-ortofon-2m-black-mc-cartridge-mint-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa03ih-benz-micro-mc-silver-brand-new-cartridges

https://www.lpgear.com/product/NAGAOKAMP200.html   and exist the MP-150 for lower price.

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/cartridges/1d03e057c2ad819c/index.html


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS;
R.

Thanks for all this great info!! I appreciate the mass calculation it makes things more clear.

I think the Nagaoka's or Audio Technica's look good. The AT's give me the most choice and seem to be in the range of compliance. I think trying to find a cart that is a little on the warm side will be a great match. The 5650 has triode like qualities but also can be very quick and detailed, so a little warmth won't hurt. 

I'm interested in the Pickerings but a little hesitant to get NOS stylus. Also, does the brush make a difference? 

High output MC's I usually would not shy away from, I enjoyed a Denon DL-110, but I'm concerned that they would be too strident, although that is a statement made naively. 

What about old Empire or Grace cartridges? 

 

Raul, 

The Sumiko EVO looks interesting! It's output of 2.5 is what the referenced output of the 5650 phono stage.