Sumiko Songbird (High Output)/Music Hall MMF-5

Currently own and using the Songbird. Love it and so has every other person that has listened to vinyl at my house. Not looking to cause controversy, but curious if any of the above dislikes for HOMC own and listened to the Songbird vs giving you advice from their experience with other carts and stereotyping all HOMC products into that experience. 
 

I’d give a big thumbs up to try it! Replacing your stylus obviously is an option as well, so I’m just vouching that the relatively new Songbird is excellent. 

Replacing the stylus is good advice.

I very much enjoyed the one HOMC cart I have tried, a Denon DL-110.

I would heartily recommend this cart, and it seems to be well reviewed, though I understand the general reticence about HOMC, which is challenging to implement.

I since acquired a step up transformer so I could run a LOMC AT-33sa, which I like even more. 

Personally, I would, and have put a cartridge of equal value of the turntable on my system before to good effect. But I would also consider @mijostyn ’s comments about high output MC cartridges. 

Replace the stylus. 

One more vote against HOMCs, as compared to similarly priced LOMCs, MM, and MI. I stopped using them long ago; they just don't cut the mustard compared to good cartridges of other types, in my opinion, in my system.  I owned and listened to Transfiguration Esprit, Benz Glider X2, and earlier a Sumiko something or other (Blackbird?), which is not worth even considering. Whereas for example I am a big fan of Transfiguration LOMCs.

Another vote for replacing the stylus in the Goldring.  That cart works very well in that arm.  I would also suggest trying a Herbie's mat on that table.  It made an astounding improvement on the MMF5, but was horrible on my Linn.  Herbies offers money back if not satisfied, so minimal risk.  Try it. 

Just replace the stylus on the Goldring!

@lg1 , I am not a big fan of high output MCs. I think most of us would tell you you would get better performance with a good moving magnet or moving Iron cartridge.

The Goldring 1042 is an insanely good cartridge for the money as are the Audio Technical VM750 and 760 series of cartridges. They will work fine in your turntable.