Recommended cartridge under $2k for a Yamaha PX2 tangential turntable

The new Hana Umami for ~$1300 is an easy recommendation! Diminishing returns set in quickly above this price point - contrary to what the "golden ears" crowd claims.

Your Hana EH is a high-output moving coil with an elliptical stylus. The Umami is a more refined design with a superior stylus - a fine-line with a wider contact area for better detail retrieval and less wear.

Your Yamaha linear-track is an excellent TT. I have a similar TT in my collection - a Mitsubishi/Diatone. No need for you to change to a different TT!

I would look for a better phono stage that can handle a low-output mc cartridge. For the least cost a Schiit Mani 2 ($150) can compete with way more expensive phono stages.

I have similar equipment in addition to the Mitsubishi linear-tracker and Denon 103R. Two GAS Sons and a Thoebe preamp. Two pairs of Quad 57's and a pair of KLH Nine ESL's. No streaming yet but I have a new tablet that can probably do that.

@jasonbourne71 - Hana Umami for $1300???

Typo?  If not, plz supply source/details.

Thx, Chaz 

You’ve had Jason’s opinion. In my opinion, you don’t necessarily need a high gain phono stage unless you are fixated on a LOMC cartridge. There are some superb high output cartridges that will work fine with a good MM phono stage, although none of them are MC types, again, in my opinion. Stick with MM and MI type cartridges and you don’t need the high gain. For one example, Nagaoka MP500, which costs ca $900 and will drive an MM phono stage. It’s a Moving Iron type. If you do want a LOMC for well under $2000, then you ought consider Audio Technica, either the ART7 or 9 (both discontinued but maybe can be found NOS) or their new ART9Xi or Xa. Hana Umami Red (make sure it’s a Red) is said to be excellent but will cost more like your $2K upper limit.

I have owned many well regarded HOMC cartridges, and none of them was the equal of any of the above or of many other LOMC, MM, or MI types I own or have owned.

Thanks all for your input.  Any other thoughts on a giant killer phono stage and should I go tube again?

The Minmax should be fine if you're gonna spend up to the suggestion of the ART9

I would question spending that much for your setup-AT ART 9 series pricing is up since the time I used one.

AT OC9 series under $800 would be my choice.