If your cartridge was 8 years old and still with its original stylus, then either you play LPs very infrequently or the stylus needed replacement anyway. In the latter case, you just did yourself a favor by forcing the issue of replacing the stylus. There are innumerable fine cartridges that can be bought for $500 and less. Take your pick.
Technics 1200 w/ AT440ML/OCC ... BENT!
Bah! I bent the stylus after mishandling handing a record. It survived for almost 8 years before my caveman mannerisms interfered. The mourning / anger phase has passed, so on to replacement options. I had a at120e stylus from an old table that I'm currently swapped in, so I can take time to research.
stylus replacement only:
VMN40ML - basically what I have now (ML)
VMN50SH - Shiba version
As you probably already know, stylus replacement for my AT440 is about 70% of the way to a brand new cart. So, wondering if I can do better (i.e. head and shoulders better)? My top level is about $500 for a newer cart. Maybe a bit more if it might be considered 'end game'. As it is, i'm already in ~$250 for a new stylus so might as well research options.
Here's my setup:
technics 1200 fully KAB upgraded
Parasound Hint6 (using phono pre)
Kef LS50
Mogami wire.