Decent backup cartridge

Consider replacing the Red stylus with a Blue stylus for under $150.

DeKay

I actually started out with a blue.  And it was nice. I guess I’m trying to talk myself into something above that,, just a bit.  Probably play around with something new to me?  Moving coil might be fun, I don’t know.  Primarily a better backup that might be fun to drop back in occasionally.  

An MP-200 would fit in your budget, and Nagaokas have a similar sound to SS cartridges.

Is this a Back Up Cartridge or an Infill Period Cartridge.

How many hours is the Cart' expected to have usage as a weekly period? 

Back Up,  for me is a Substitute Cart' possibly to be used to preserve the longevity of another Cart' as an attractive End Sound option, which a reasonable sum might be considered to be spent to acquire a particular Voicing for a Cart' from a Brand that has attraction. 

Infill, for me is a make do Cart' whilst something else is in waiting, like your own situation or a host of others that has similar influence on how a TT is to being used. A Cart' is not thought of as needing to be satisfying all wants for an End Sound, and does not need to be an excess cost, as it seen as a Temporary Measure.

Infill, as the wanted option, broadens the field of considerations and does allow Curve Ball suggestions to be made, as the New Experience that can be had for producing an End Sound might be an impact on oneself not thought possible for the good impression made.

Not too long ago, I was blown away by a Ceramic Cart' in use, and had to buy into the Model to always have the option at hand.         

Any Grado should fit the bill!

https://gradolabs.com/pages/phono-cartridges

The $599 Soundsmith  Otello is my backup.

https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/fixed-coil/otello

Imagine what your Zephyr does well, but turned down a  notch.

The mids/high are there,  but the bass impact is tempered-still convincing  and enjoyable.  

I bought mine when it was  still $399.

IMO underrated bargain/emergency cart.

I went from an Ortofon Blue to an Ortofon Bronze and think that the upgrade was worthwhile. For a "while you wait" cartridge you might be pleasantly surprised for not too much money. 

I like my Hana E cart. A bit on the polite side, but great tone and texture.

The Goldring 1042 is very good IMO. 

easy the Denon I think it is model DH-103 but you need to add the wood shell.

It is one of the best kept secrets in audio,

My backup is that same as my primary...Ortofon Cadenza Black. I found a really good deal on one and bought it. When my primary starts to have any issues, I will which and have the older one retipped.

+1 Nagaoka MP200.  You could add a JN-P stylus to it down the road for a pretty major upgrade.

Nagaoka MP-200.  

Ortofon 2M Black. At $719 very few(if any) cartridges have the neutrality/speed and dynamics at this price point.

Was in same position as you, just with a Zephyr (I) and got an Ortofon black. 

Nagaoka MP-200