Whether you're talking about opera or "pure classics" there is usually more complexity going on in classical music than in other kinds. An orchestra of 100 or so, singers chorus, etc. So my view is that cartridges that provide the maximum detail of what is going on is the key. That means, I think, low output MC with some sort of fine line stylus; there are many types. Same in digital; I do not look for "laid back".
IMO, for the money these days you can't beat Audio Technica cartridges. They come in enough varieties to satisfy any budget. I use an AT Art 9 which has a lot of advocates around here.
IMO, for the money these days you can't beat Audio Technica cartridges. They come in enough varieties to satisfy any budget. I use an AT Art 9 which has a lot of advocates around here.