I don't know how much stock anyone should put in reviews, but a recent issue of the British publication Hi Fi News & Record Review did a shoot out of about six cartridges in the price range you are shopping. I believe the review included a ZYX cartridge (finished somewhere in the middle or back of the pack), a Koetsu, and an Allaerte (judged to be sonically the best).
I have heard a number of cartridges and phono stages, but I feel there is no way to reliably predict how combinations would work out, given that such analysis would have to include all of the other downstream components as well. I will venture to say that whatever you end up with, your table/arm combination will not be a limiting factor -- I think both are very capable performers.
I have heard a number of cartridges and phono stages, but I feel there is no way to reliably predict how combinations would work out, given that such analysis would have to include all of the other downstream components as well. I will venture to say that whatever you end up with, your table/arm combination will not be a limiting factor -- I think both are very capable performers.