The Hana SL is a very good recommendation at ~$750. It is low output with a superior Shibata stylus (important). It needs a gain of about 60db for best signal- to-noise performance. That gain can be had from an active stage or a transformer. Since the Icon has a fixed load of 100 ohms it has enough gain for a low output mc cartridge like the SL. I would choose it over the Denon 103R (conical stylus) because the SL’s Shibata stylus is far better at detail retrieval and will last longer in use. Even though the 103R is less costly (~$340).
Need some help picking my first MC Cartridge
I have recently purchased an Icon PS1 Mk II tube Phono Preamp. and was thinking of purchasing a seperate MC cartridge and head to interchange with my Nagoaka MP 300 MM cartridge, which I am very happy with. This is my first MC Cartridge so this is more of a chance to compare MC versus MM Cartridges. Some suggestions have been Denon 103 or the Hana Red, The Icon Preamp has a fixed MC load setting of 100 ohms. The Sansui SR 525 Direct Drive Turntable that I will be using has an interchangeable cartridge head, so VTA height, tracking weight, anti-skating adjustments may be required for each cartridge but should not take more than 20 minutes to adjust. I have read that some low output cartridges may be preferable to high output, but I am not sure how this matches up with the Icon Preamp. I am a little in the weeds here with the technical information when it comes to cartridges so be gentle.
My listening preference is more to the musical / warm vinyl side. Gear: Tube preamp, Class "A" amp , alternating with a tube Integrated, Wilson Benesch Square 2 Speakers, Rel Subs (x2). I split my listening about 50/50 Vinyl/Digital.
My Budget is up to $1500.00