Help me choose a MC Cartridge

Dynavector 's. XX2a replaced the XX2 mkII recently.     That said I saved a ton of money on the XX2 mkII.    Several dealers were closing these out and I picked one up for $1250.    

I did something I rarely do and that is buying without audition.   Turned out to be a phenomenal sounding cartridge.   Blown away by how my records sound compared to the 2M Bronze it replaced which wasn't bad at all.   Another league altogether. 

I'm a broken record when this thread topic comes up🤣

Audio Technica ART20 for the win, but is a couple bucks over the budget max of $3K-$3200

ART9 shouldn't disappoint even though it's under the ART20@$1700

Lyra Delos @$2500 longstanding excellent performer.

Soundsmith MIMC @$2K

If you're not against used, there's usually plenty of listings for great carts, and your max budget will get a $5-8K KILLER

I went from a Zyx 4D to a Benz Ruby Z. I was very satisfied with the Zyx and wasn't looking forward to replacing it. I went to  Benz Micro Ruby Z and have never looked back. You will need 60 db phono stage for it since it's output  ..35mv. 2Juki-cartridge on  flea bay has it for $2550. I have bought from him in the past.

Shelter 501 MkIII $1300. Save a few bucks and get a few more records. 

Consider the Dynavector 17DX.