Moving Magnet Phono Cartridges

Yes, I am a big fan of MI cartridges both vintage and current versions. I don’t necessarily agree that the current crop are categorically superior to the very best of the vintage ones, like the B&O MMC1 or the Acutex 320 (two versions) and probably some others I don’t know about. The MP500 is a great bargain but I’m not ready to say it’s my favorite. Raul has evaluated more cartridges in a systematic way than anyone I know of.

How are you going to achieve Stanton 881S specs without an OEM stylus, which I think was a Stereohedron?

Those latter AT cartridges with comical styli are ideal for humor records.

I didn’t mention Nagaoka or the fact that Nags and Grados are MI, because I’ve done so previously, but yes by all means consider those MIs. Was listening to my MP500 last night. Great cartridge.

I always thought the Shure V15, in all its iterations, was ""nice" but underwhelming. Back in the day, I preferred ADC and Grado cartridges.  I think you can easily find an AT, Goldring, or Ortofon cartridge, or other brands like Grado, that are all superior to the V15. That's my opinion, of course.