MM Cartridge or MC Cartridge


I'm embarrassed to say that after owning a ClearAudio Maestro cart for only a month, I had a mishap and damaged the stylus. It's gonna cost $600 to get it replaced. Does anyone have any better suggestions as far as a better cart for the $$, or is this the best for this price range? Also, what are the advantages to a MC cart? I'm just getting back into LP's and have not done the research. Besides, I trust your opinions more than reviews. I will have the opportunity to buy up, so now would be the time to go to a MC cart. Will I have to have a step-up transformer? My phono stage is an Audio Research PH-3 SE.
handymann
From what I can get it appears that in many cases it makes no sense to choose any high output moving coil over MM. and better low output moving coils are another story. But at what price? I am not going to put a cartridge that costs more than turntable itself or even more than tonearm.
But let's also factor in that many cartridges seem to be overpriced and some underpriced. And also, some of the best MMs are quite expensive too.
Here is a wild assumption. MMs will sound their best on unsuspended tables, they like a rough ride.
Stan, our ages are the only similarity we share.

I know the subject matter.

There are people who've been driving for 50 years and don't know anything about automobiles.

So it is with you and audio.

Bring you moving coils here.

The crow is hot and steamy.

I'll even serve you a second helping.
PS
For the record I never said:

"all moving coils under $1200 are bad compared to MMs"

Stan is apparently dyslexic as well.

Thank you.
Bill, what you are screams so loudly that it requires no more comment from me. Our mutual friend insists that you are really a nice guy and only play the part of a jerk on the forum. If that is so I commend the accuracy of your portrayal. I actually am dyslexic to a slight degree, which made my academic life Hell at times while getting my 4 degrees. Dr. Stanley Wallen
A persistent character type I have encountered in Audio over the years is the "Guru" who belittled EVERYTHING he was not associated with or anyone who dared disagree with him. This arises not from knowledge but fear; he [always he in my experience] is so ego involved with his own opinions that he can't stand to hear others expressed and so unleashes a torrent of abuse on others who do so. This narcissistic desire to dominate reveals a basic insecurity on the part of the "Guru". Those of us who are on here to actually try to help others find what they are looking for and not preen in their unique insights find such antics somewhat amusing but ultimately reprehensible. How fortunate there are none of that type on this thread.