best cartridge under $500

I am a moving coil user but with the SME I would use MM, they are a better fit for the characteristics of the arm; they are the type of cartridge it was designed to use.There are many choices, I like the contemporary Ortofon "color" line up but NOS is also good.

I'm using a Jolida JD-9 Tube Phono Preamp to a mcintosh c-30 preamp
Jon

The Ortofon 2M series (moving magnet) are very good,especially for the money!I use a Blue on one of my vintage Dual tables.The sound is incredibly good,much better than the OM30 Super it replaced.The 2M cartridges are easy to mount as well.I find the "Bronze" to be the sweet spot in the line-up.It can be purchased under your budget limit.

Ortofon Black 2M great cart with a lot of favorable reviews. around 650 new

Have you considered any of the Soundsmith cartridges?