Help me choose a MC Cartridge


It's been years since I have looked at buying a new cartridge.  I want to make sure that the new cartridge works well with my SME M-2 9 arm.  Again I am looking for a LOMC cartridge.  Budget range $1,500 - $3000.   Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

bobheinatz

Oddiofyl’s suggestion of Dynavector XX2 is, in my opinion, another good suggestion.  I doubt that anyone would dislike that cartridge even if it does not meet everyone’s ideal.  

I would throw the Sumiko Starling in the mix in that price range. Very well balanced, smooth, quick, a lovely cart for ~$2k.

I own and rotate about 20 cartridges over 5 arms in two systems, and I’ve owned and/or heard many more than that over the years.  In your price bracket I think the Myajima Kansui is a great cart.  If you want more detail, but less overall boogie, Lyra Delos (a fabulous value, frankly).  As another choice, I enjoyed my Umami Red, but not enough to keep it.