Still looking for a new Moving Coil Cartridge

To explore 'stiffer cantilever/better bass', I bought a

Sumiko Talisman S, Line Contact on Sapphire Tube

30dB at 1kHz. Channel balance: 0.5dB, tracking force: 2gm

https://www.stereophile.com/content/talisman-s-mc-phono-cartridge

Overall, I actually like it as much as my AT, and who knows if I hear what I want to hear, but I think there is a speck tighter bass playing Cecil, Mila, Niels/Sam

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternate_Spaces

mila drumke, my funny valentine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukrNpHCDSjc

double bass, niels and sam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jvz_hcTZ9k

I listen to my AT more because it is on my long arm/fixed cartridge, and the talisman fits my removable headshell arm usually with my new AT Mono with advanced stylus on boron that Steve at VAS made me.

Anyway, Sumiko, Talisman S: very highly recommended

There are far too many variables from one cartridge to another to enable one to say that a stiffer cantilever, per se, makes for better bass.  One way to get relevant data would be to buy two samples of the same cartridge, both bearing what you deem to be a "flexible" cantilever.  Then send one sample off to one of the re-tippers and have him install a cantilever that you deem to be stiffer, but with the same stylus if possible or at least the same stylus shape.  Then listen and take measurements.

OP,

I don't mean to insult you, but I am suspecting you are NOT buying those LP's new. More than likely, even if bought new by you (as so many of mine were), they were played with conical and elliptical stylus, and 'stuff' got pressed deep down in the grooves, now to be found by modern 'deep groove' stylus shapes.

My friend has a ultrasonic cleaner he loves, but it does not clean my old lps as well as my vigorous scrub method does. I don't know why, but they play quieter after my method.

IF a cartridge can play a noisy LP more quietly than another cartridge, I don't want it, what else is missing along with the noise?

A great cartridge can kick ass on any type of music.

Speakers 'best for rock' were crap.

So many options;  For MC, I went with a Hana SH (high output) into the MM port of my McIntosh MA352.  It was in replacement of an Ortofon 2M Black.  Similar in price but the Hana is such a noticeable improvement.  The Hana is so much more forgiving on less than perfect vinyl than the 2M Black.  The details, rich bass and warm sound are all much better.  My local audio place that set up my turntable was pushing Hana even before when I went with the 2M Black and now I see why.

Hana SH

Swapped in my Audio Technica VM750SH to see what a $500 MM sounds like on my second system. Always good to recalibrate one’s sonic apparatus. Played 3 albums. Switched back to the resident, rebuilt Decca Maroon. No comparison. The Decca trounced the AT. I can’t imagine being stuck at that lower level of audio non-enjoyment!