Hi, as i can see effective mass of your Ortofon tonearm is 3.5g without headshell, the mid mass headshell is about 10-12g, so the total mass with shell is about 14g.
probably too low for giant-killers, but very close if you considering Pickering XSV/3000SP (the SP version is better for your arm because the compliance for SP version is 15cu). With lighter headshell you could use higher compliance cartridges such as Stanton 881s mkII (compliance is 30cu). Both models have Stereohedron nude diamonds. One of the best profiles, extended frequency range, long life span. Very involving sound presentation. Highly recommended! From the golden age of analog. really great Moving Magnet cartridges for reasonable cost today.
In my opinion those cartridges are better than modern MM cartridges at this price or even higher priced units.
Any suggestions would be helpful and the max budget would be $300 (although bargain giant-killers are favored ;)
probably too low for giant-killers, but very close if you considering Pickering XSV/3000SP (the SP version is better for your arm because the compliance for SP version is 15cu). With lighter headshell you could use higher compliance cartridges such as Stanton 881s mkII (compliance is 30cu). Both models have Stereohedron nude diamonds. One of the best profiles, extended frequency range, long life span. Very involving sound presentation. Highly recommended! From the golden age of analog. really great Moving Magnet cartridges for reasonable cost today.
In my opinion those cartridges are better than modern MM cartridges at this price or even higher priced units.