cartridge?

That's a difficult question given the fact that you do not state the type(s) of music you listen nor how many albums you have. Please be specific next time.

A good starting point in moving magnets would be the Van Alstine modified Longhorn Grado (www.avahifi.com) or the Shure V15 Type V.

For high output MC starters I would definitely pick the Sumiko Blue Point (not a good tracker, but great spatial imaging and musicality) or the Ortofon X3 or X5 (good tracking, good dynamics, accurate). Dynavector would be a good choice in the same price range, too. You can find a brand new X5 here in the classifieds for $110. That's grey market (Hong Kong), but it would definitely be the best performance dollar for dollar (lists for $325) you could get right now.

I'm not going to get in the low output MC arena. Too complicated and, IMHO, not really worth the extra trouble and money.

the ortfon mc30IIsuper for $500 from needledoctor is a fine authoritative cartridge at the price. i would not hesitate to go for it if i didnt have about 9 carts.
.....regards.....tr

I just upgraded to a Sumiko Celebration with great results. Used a Benz 0.4 before.

Jernst: I heard on yr TT & liked, Benz Glider, Clearaudio (the $ c.500 model), V D Hul (again around $4-500).

Pls excuse my imprecision, I don't remember the models offhand.

Cheers!