Need some help on a family of Cartriges


My secondary system consists of Zu Omen Def MKii's with Radian tweeter upgrade, Decware integrated amp, and an VPI Prime TT and Parasound JC3+ phono pre.  I use PAD phone cables, and Zu speaker wire.  All other interconnects are Cardas Clear Light.

My goal for this system is a dynamic live sound.

Unfortunately my NOS Glanz MF61 suspension just crapped out.  While this was an amazing cart, it only lasted about 4 months or so.  Yes it was vintage and it was a risk so no big deal, live and learn.

That being said, I only have about $500 +/- to replace it.  I'm ok with any type of cart, I can accommodate just about any required gain.  What I want is a dynamic cart that will give a "live" sound with a lot of presence, but not overly bright.

What manufacturer would you steer me to?

last_lemming
You might know that i am also a fan of Zu Audio speakers and owner of Glanz MFG-61 cartridge (no problem with suspension), i use fully upgraded Druid with latest Radian tweeters.  

You have to try Victor X1-II cartridge (Beryllium Cantilever / Shibata stylus) or next one X-1IIe (Titanium Cantilever / Elliptical stylus). Both cartridges are superb. I also like Pioneer PC-1000 mkII cartridge (Beryllium Cantilever / Elliptical tip), Stanton SC-100 WOS (Sapphire coated cantilever / Stereohedron tip), Audio-Technica AT-ML180 OFC (Boron cantilever / MicroLine tip), Grace LEVEL II BR/MR (Boron Cantilever / Micro Ridge tip).  

Some of these cartridges might be even better than Glanz MFG-61

Regarding MC my champion at the moment is Ortofon MC2000, but it was so difficult to find a phono stage to drive this 0.05mV cart. Another Ortofon with superb stylus profile (Replicant 100) is SPU Royal G mkII, the best SPU i have ever tried! Fidelity Research PMC-3 is great LOMC. If you have superheavy tonearm try FR-7fz - this is a killer low compliance MC cartridge, the best from Fidelity-Research ever. 

    



Thanks Chakster.  Of the ones you listed how many of these are vintage how many of these are new and do any fall within the price range that I listed? 
you may want to give soundsmith a shout they may be able to rebuild your cart
No, price tag is much higher for most, except for the Victor X-1IIe MM which is a nice cartridge and close to your budget. If you want to stay with Glanz just buy 610-LX model on ebay, it will be a NOS cart for under $500 with shipping. Some audiogonners are happy about it.