New Cartridge or New Stylus

Here’s a used AT150e for $179. from a seller I recommend

I have an AT150e with an AT160ML Microline on Tapered Beryllium Stylus on it.

My friends and I cannot hear any difference between it and my AT160ML body with the same AT160ML stylus on it.

I bought both from this seller whom I recommend

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267300981202?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=acf16a76-b682-11f0-a3dd-346264666334

so, for -100 (and less tarriffs and less tax) you start with Elliptical, and can change to a different stylus profile later, either take a chance on a used beryllium ML or go for a new VMNx stylus on Boron.

btw, your fixed arm, you need to both mount/align/calibrate each time, so a body that accepts good better best stylus makes sense.

how are your cartridge mounting skills?

I think I would go for the used AT160ML with headshell and case, it is a terrific headshell, but only good for fastening from below, i.e. I could not mount my friend’s Benz Micro Ruby Wood, it’s threaded holes do not go all the way thru.

With careful screw choice, it looks like AT's new threaded bodies can be mounted from above or below

proper link for the at745xML on Boron for $329. shown above

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-vm745xml

the new ones track at 2.0g; the vintage ones I like track at 1.25g

There is nothing wrong with a cartridge that tracks at 2.0 g.  One that tracks at 1.25 g is not really better.  The key word is track.  The stylus must stay in the groove, i.e. track without rattling around in there.  It is mis-tracking that is the problem.  Seriously, 2.0 g does not wear out records.  

Bill,

True, some say tracking at 3 g is not too much

Primary in my mind is stylus self-wear, after all, 2 g is 60% more force than 1.25g

The forces involved of a stylus in a groove are TREMENDOUS.

Thanks for the AT recommendations. They are triple the cost of items I listed. I’m not in favor of paying trump tariffs for them either. 
 

Additionally I tried an Audio Technica SS445E/U with both the orignal nude stylus and an LP Gear Shibata style stylus - it was too bright. Would the recommendation be a similar sound signature or different?