SL-1200GME Turntable

If you want bang for your buck that can compete with cartridges 2 or 3 times the price, have a look at -

Nagaoka MP700 moving iron.

Audio Technica AT33xMLB moving coil.

If your phono has a modest MC facility the Nagaoka ( MM input ) is superb, matches the Technics arm very well. It's the first Nagaoka I would buy, significantly outperforming the MP500 which is highly regarded.

Thank you dover! 

I currently have a high output Dynavector 10x5 MC but trying to find a more neutral sound signature. But boy did that sound lively on my Sota Sapphire V table (currently in storage) I never did get the settings correct out of the phono and it was always loud from 1 on the volume knob of the preamp. 

I'd like to make a prefect match here if at all possible. I'm not sure if my VTL TP2.5 has different gain settings....

Dover, Have you heard the MP700 in a venue where you could compare it to the MP500?  I am tempted by the MP700, too. 

@lewm 

I have only heard the MP700 via a clip sent to me by someone - but from what I could hear it is impressive - its a major redesign from the MP500 much less rolled off at the top ( Nagaokas own comments ), from what I heard via recorded clip it is very neutral, very transparent - a lot more revolving than the 500 - boron cantilever and micro ridge stylus. What I heard was an effortless presentation along with transparency.

I'm also toying with the idea of getting one for my second turntable at some stage.