Moving coil with a bit less leading edge

I can really recommend the Zu Audio modded Denon 103. It's at the bottom of the price range (c.$800) of such exalted MCs mentioned here, and I was skeptitical that it would be up there, but it has replaced a Transfiguration Orpheus (c.$6000+). I am just about to mod it for a further c.$500 by upgrading stylus and cantilever. A real giant killer.

Hi, you might try a Allaerts. I don't know what your budget is, but fits the sound qualities you are mentioning...

Allaerts are a little hard to get, only a one man company, but excellent quality and sound...Not sure on your budget, but my Allaerts MC2 Finish is pretty special..

Your comments might be right on the mark, John. And of course the required changes brought about by different, newly introduced equipment is always fun :-}. Kind thanks to you and others here for the recommendations. Based on what I've read about it, the Allaerts sounds very interesting but it's out of my price range. Denon might be too low on compliance. Otherwise, there's a good crop to consider from here.

Spiritofmusic gave a very interesting idea. These modded 103(R) are really something special, unbeatable for the price. Koetsu Black could be interesting, too. Impressive are also the cheaper Zyx carts...

Syntax, which ZYX models are your recommending as recessed in the treble? I owned an an Airy 3SB briefly and it was the opposite of recessed in the treble.