I have always been impressed with the synergy between a Rega 3-series turntable and the Rega Exact (now series 2) cartridge. It's a little more money than what you've mentioned, but it has this "rightness" on a wide variety of material, and although MM, is well regarded among high-priced LOMC enthusiasts, e.g., Jeff Dorgay of Tone Audio. You might find this thread enlightening from Steve Hoffman's website.
Ortofon 2MBronze; Quintet Red; Vivo Red???
I am trying to find the right cartridge for a Rega P3-24 turntable. Ortofon offers several choices in both MM and MC
The 2M Bronze is at the upper end of that MM series.($499)
There is a new low output MC, The "Quintet Red" reasonably priced at 299.00
Last the Ortofon Red Vivo (high output at mV 3.5) retails for approx. $350.00 and may be discontinued
This is small but confusing spread of phono cartridges. Has anyone had experience with one or all of the above mentioned in terms of overall sound quality. Thank you!!
The 2M Bronze is at the upper end of that MM series.($499)
There is a new low output MC, The "Quintet Red" reasonably priced at 299.00
Last the Ortofon Red Vivo (high output at mV 3.5) retails for approx. $350.00 and may be discontinued
This is small but confusing spread of phono cartridges. Has anyone had experience with one or all of the above mentioned in terms of overall sound quality. Thank you!!