High Performance Moving Iron Cartridge Candidates?

@jasonbourne71  That is my other option. I have looked at HOMC versions of cartridges from Dynavector and Benz Micro. Since Excel built many HOMC cartridges in the past for companies, I wonder how much the changed in the innards with their Hana HOMC offering. 

One thing I remember from a number of years ago is a needle drop a friend had that was made on an AR turntable with a Shure V15MR on it. Sounded very nice! 

I would be open to a V15 but I wonder if the OEM cantilevers can be retipped? Arent they a beryllium tube? So I doubt a new diamond can be fitted to them, and that leaves something like a Jico stylus which is supposed to be good but not the same. If I go that route then I might as well find an appropriate Shure body right? Are the V bodies the best of the bunch or were there differences?

Jason, read what you wrote. Don’t you think your generalization is at best flimsy?

I used a Grado MI cart with a phono preamp that had a MM setting and a MC setting only.  MC was too bloomy and MM was too thin.  Seems like it was somewhere in the middle.  I would suggest a preamp that has a selection of settings.

Many years ago I used (and actually still have it) a Benz Micro Wood H2 HOMC. I didn't really find it better than the Shure V15vxMR that preceded it, and moved on to a Ruby 3 instead. That one is still in use, albeit converted to mono.

Another yes for Soundsmith. I got a new HOMI Zephyr MKlll for $1k. It has Line Contact stylus. Rides deeper in groove. HiFi Heaven had a sale plus they gave trade in credit of $100 for a couple old Ortofons that needed new stylus.

I called Soundsmith for advice prior to purchase and the fellow connected me to owner Peter L which I didnt expect.

Plan is to make this my last cart with the rebuild service.