Best cartridge for my setup?

The DL-160 is an excellent sounding cart in its price range.

I cannot comment on the two pickups you mentioned, but FWIW, I am running an Ortofon OM-30 Super in my Thorens TD-166 MkII, and I am very pleased with the sound. Check the reviews section for my review of the OM-30 Super.

I totally agree with Mingles about the DL-160 though I have not listened to the 2M blue to be fair. For the price the performance is excellent. I have used both the DL-160 and the DL-110 in systems and was always impressed at their performance.

If you are seriously considering staying with analog for quite some time, consider that the Cartridge, provided you take good care of it, can last you quite a number of years.

This purchase can be one you are very happy with, or one you might have some regrets about at some point in the future.

If you can, and wish staying with a high output MM Cartridge, which is user re-tippable, I recommend spending a bit more, bypass these other Cartridges you have your eye on, and go with the Audio Technica AT-150MLX. Mark