Some help please with Cartridge choices

@OP I just wrote a lengthy reply which the system then did a 404 error and lost. So I'll just cut to the chase on preamp / cartridge compatibility. Your VAC preamp's 68dB of MC gain is marginal for a 0.3mv output cartridge viz. the Black. It could sound a bit flat dynamically and / or noisy. So you would need to audition to know. Re the Turntable, if it were me, I would look at improving it before looking at a better cartridge than the Crimson. If you send your Crimson back to VdH, it will come back "as new", not just with the tip changed.

@yoyoyaya Jeez, I hate it when that happens!  Thanks for the effort, though.  I don't disagree with the turntable advice.  It's a complicated CFO (wife) issue.  Every system upgrade requires a complex well thought out battle plan.  She understands the concept of wear on a stylus and the need for refurbishment. I got the green light! To her, the turntable is perfectly fine the way it is. Over the years I have left a few comments about it being the"weak link" in system, etc. Before every upgrade I progressively plead my case that the upgrade will improve the listening experience.  Every time I am met with "It already sounds great, I can't imagine it being any better".  I am nearing 1500 hours on the Van den Hul and I suspect it will be 3-5 months before I get it back, so the Cart is the current easy sell.  The turntable will be the next frontier.  Probably too much info, but I think you can see my logic.  Also, I queried the internet with AI-wow, what a trove of info.  You were right on with the thoughts on gain and the winner on that front is the MSL for sure. With tonearm matching, both were good, the nod going to the Black, but not by much.  For total system synergy with the VAC Master and Sig 200's, it seems that the MSL is in the #1 spot.  For now.  Stay tuned for future developments. 

I think at least one previous post mentioned Lyra.  Curious if the OP has heard their cartridges and doesn’t resonate with the sound profile?  I rather like them at least the Etna and Atlas cartridges I’ve heard on SME tables.  You could get the Lyra Etna SL Lamba MC for the same price as Hana Umami Black.  If you have a good step up stage, it seems that would be another good option if it’s a match for your tonearm.

kn

Thanks OP! If you ever get a green light on the TT, the Clearaudio Jubilee TTs are really good and the Unity is an astonishingly good arm. Expensive yes, but not out of place in your system.

@knownothing 

Thanks for the Lyra suggestion.  I've explored the possibility of Lyra in the past, but have never heard them.  I think I was steered in another direction years ago.  FWIW, I really love the Van den Hul cart.  The sonic character of the MSL is supposedly similar, but better than the VDH.