Budget MM Phono Cartridge Recommendation

"Modern MM carts are crap compared to vintage MM carts (with just a few exceptions)." Can´t agree more.

On of the best if not the best exception is Audio-Technica AT150ANV, limited edition premium VM cartridge:
https://www.google.fi/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&u...
It´s no budget of course but a top quality product from a respected classic manufacturer. Unfortunately it´s very expensive nowadays, it was half the price a few years back.

Or you can try to find vintage gems such as ACUTEX M320 STR III (short nose, the best of Acutex), AT 20SS, SHURE Ultra 400. Good luck !

Chakster is absolutely right, we have been living in the digital era already nearly thirty years and a very few cartridge manufacturers of today have no idea what an MM or MC cart should or could be soundwise, I doubt that they have even listened to a truly great cartridge from the Golden Age of High Fidelity, late 70´s - mid 80´s. I wonder have they even born then. Anyway, the enthusiasm and knowledge, all the passion was then.

And as for giant killers, a humble Entré-1 LOMC outperforms many carts both MM and MC, also vintage. Its sound is very powerful accurate and above all, very balanced without usual high register emphasis common with many MC´s. And not a hint of sibilance. It´s that good. If I remember correctly Raul likes it as well. Sorry for this MC off-topic, I just couldn´t resist mention good old Entré. I personally prefer MM´s for many reasons but I mention a great MC when I have listened to one.

"New" GLANZ MFG-310LX
https://pulsar.ebay.de/plsr/clk/0/SADS/9?pld=%7B%22mecs%22%3A%22263124290315f031565eab21477e9ce2e1f4...

I had one thirty years ago and I highly recommend because it´s surely better than "budget".

Another great vintage MF cartridge, actually the second best from ASTATIC for low price ;)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Astatic-Glanz-MF100-Phono-Cartridge-MF-100-Low-Hours/122590861558?ssPageNa...

And yes I have one and I highly recommend.