MC Cartridge: Elliptical; around 0.5mv; track 1.25-1.75; Affordable

The au320 handled a zyx with 0.24mv output with ease and no additional noise that I could discern.

As an ex owner of the Denon au320 sut I can attest to it being superb bang for the buck.
I actually used to use it as my "dual input" for my single input phono as it has pass through ability for mm carts.
So I had two TT connect to it at same time,one MC, one mm.
Victor TT 81 and TT 71.

OP
What you have to factor in with Soundsmith prices are there rebuild prices which are typically about 20% of purchase price to have like new cartridge returned to you if you wear it out, break it etc.

Just my thoughts.
Using a sut to try out MC carts is probably not the best way to start off unless you get VERY lucky.
Careful matching of sut to MC cart is a lot more involved than pot luck.
You would likely be better served with an inexpensive MC load adjustable Phonostage for your entry into the world of MC carts.

For example my Scheu SL will work loaded at 100 ohms but is MUCH more lively at 430ohms. 1000ohms is just a little too much for it to my ears.
But you need the flexibility to try and see for yourself IMHO.

Op
Just my opinion but hdm suggestion of  AT OC9XEN is likely going to be hard to beat for performance, price and matching to your present phono with fixed 100ohm input.
I think the Denon is a big nono with your present phono and you would be most disappointed and put off through no fault of the cart itself.