Dear @dramatictenor : Each one has his own preferences so you will have several recomendations for a new cartridge.
Today cartridges manufactured by companies as Audio Technica, Nagaoka, Goldring, Audio Note, Ortofon , Dynavector and the like always are a warranty of quality and they are in the market because people buy their products, no manufacturer stays in the market with out enough sales/people buying its products.
Here in Agon ads you can see this very good " new " cartridge, very good opportunity to own this quality level performance. Shelther 9000 cartridge motor is extraordinary:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9g9bb-shelter-9000-phono-cartridge-cartridges
Another alternatives for less money could be these ones:
https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/cartridges/0b93b60b61b69617/index.html
https://www.lpgear.com/product/AT-OC9XSL.html
https://clearaudio.de/en/products/cartridges-mm-charisma_v2.php
https://www.lpgear.com/product/NAGAOKAMP500.html
https://www.audio-philia.co.uk/audio-note-cartridges
https://www.lpgear.com/product/OR2MBLACK.html
and of course the ones by SoundSmith.
You have several good options for today cartridges , you don't need to look at the past either MC or MM/MI.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.