New Cartridge or New Stylus

Goldring E3

None of the ones mentioned so far are good choices IMO

Aside from the tonal characteristics people try to write about

I advise paying attention to 

1. IMAGING. Both WIDE channel separation (high 20’s, even low 30’s), and TIGHT channel balance (1.0 db, even 0.5db) are needed to properly present the Phantom Imaging the engineers put in the grooves.

2. TRACKING FORCE. the published imaging specs were achieved at heavier or lighter tracking force? Lighter is preferred due to:

a. stylus life, lighter will last longer

b. lp groove wear. successfully tracking lighter will be less wear.

c. anti-skate. amount of force required is related to tracking force

3. STYLUS PROFILE, see link

4. CANTILEVER MATERIAL, see link

https://www.leson.org/choose-phono-cartridge/

compare other finds to this which tracks at 2.0g

ATVM540ML, $280.

agreed.  do you have an recommendations?  the turntable is a Pro-ject 1.2

I tried an Audio Technica SS445E/U with both the orignal nude stylus and an LP Gear Shibata style stylus - it was too bright and i think was too much mass with the p-mount adaptor.

want tone, texture and imaging.  

I use and have always liked the prior 440 model in my office, this is current stock

ATVM540ML, $280

Audio-Technica AT-VM745xML, $329, Boron Cantilever