Good cartridge for a Sony PS-LX5 with original headshell

A Grado Sonata wood body cartridge (~$300) is an easy recommendation.

I have the Grado Sonata in my cartridge collection. I prefer mc cartridges instead. Those require a step-up device or a high-gain phono stage. The Denon 103R (~$340) is another fine budget choice, but not a good match with the phono stage gain of the C26.

I had a look at the PS-LX5. That's a lightweight arm! It will work best with a high-compliance cartridge like a Grado, Shure or Stanton.

Thanks! For the life of me, I cannot find a Sonata. The Sonata 1 is $600. Grado has a new wooden Timbre Opus3 that looks like it gets good reviews from multiple folks and is $275, which is in my budget ($300 tops.) I'm thinking about making the plunge.

I believe your arm has a usable cartridge weight range between 7,5-11,5 gr (including headshell). Whatever cartridge you choose make sure it has high compliance and is light, approx. or below 7 grams. Like, Audio Technica VM540ML, Goldring 2200, Ortofon 2Mblue, Grado Gold or Silver.

https://audio-database.com/SONY-ESPRIT-ESPRIT/player/ps-lx5.html

So, the Opus3 is 8gr, the headshell is 5.2gr = 13.2. 2 gr over. The counter weight is in place. If I increase that weight just slightly, would that work or should I just try and find another cartridge in my price range, about $300? If so, what other recommendations are out there?