Best mm cart for VPI scout/jmv-9 memorial arm

Why should I not just try these #2680 cables from Monoprice? They are 18awg solid copper wire, 24ct gold plated plugs, and they are shielded.

Why should I spend more?

Thanks, I was leaning towards a 2m Bronze and upgrade to the black at a later date.

I might eventually move to a moving coil but I have some other equipment I need to purchase. So it's a mm for me presently. But I will keep the Zephyr in mind when I'm ready.

I like everyones suggestions. Like in this thread I've heard mixed opinions about the Grados in other forums. The Zephyr intrigues me but it's not in my price point at this time. Any other suggestions of a mm or mi in the $400-$450 range?

I took a look at the Soundsmith collection of carts and researched some other forums to see other opinions about them. All were positive and several commented on the attributes of the Aida. It's just out of my price range. I wonder how the Ortofon Bronze and the Soundsmith Otello compare with each other. I do like the fact that I don't have to buy a new cart with the 2m Bronze if I want to move up to the 2m Black.
Plus - Are Moving Irons superior to Moving Magnets?

From reading other forums I found that the only drawback to replacing the tip of a Soundsmith is the wait time. The wait time average being somewhere around 2 months. A replacement or upgrade for the 2m Bronze would be anywhere from same day to up to a week* (if ordered via the net*).

If there was a significant edge to using the Otello I would not mind the wait. But if it's a wash then I would go with the @m Bronze.

So is there any difference in the quality of sound each one produces?

So I picked up an Ortofon 2m Bronze.

Any suggestions on phono cables? I'm temporarily using a pair of monster interconnects that was used for a CDP and a piece of 16g solid copper wire for a ground between the receiver and TT.

I have a hum issue when the record is playing and a light static sound when not playing a record coming through my speakers.

I am using the phono amp in the Onkyo for now. The cables will need to be shielded due to their location, which is on either side of a table standing Sony 46" LCD TV about 5-6 feet apart.

I can't relocate anything for now so that is out of the question.

Not looking to spend a lot of money on them. I know some of you think expensive ones yields good things. While others think it's fools gold to spend a ton on interconnects.

Please be specific with the brand names and model # of the cables you would recommend.

Thank you

So to update… I went with the Ortofon 2m Bronze. I'm about 1/2 way in the breaking in period. It sounds really, really good. I'm running it through an Onkyo TX NR905 AV Receiver that has a phono input for mm carts.

I also picked up a Harman Kardon HK990 Integrated Amp that has superior phono inputs for mm and mc carts. So now I can pick up a mc in the future when I want to experience the difference. Can't wait to hook my VPI TT up to it.

Thanks for everyones input I really appreciate all the help.

Mark