I was in a similar position and opted for the higher output moving coil. Even though, I had read a lot about step-ups (Stevens & Billington diy or Audio Note) most of the good ones were more than I had budgeted for the cartridge, which was about $500. The cheaper step-ups that I heard were a tad noisy with tonal colorations that weren't to my liking. However, if I were to go "all out" I would go the step-up route with the Helikon or Shelter 901. The low output mcs that I have heard do sound better, but you have to justify the extra expense of optimizing them. Oh, also, I would have to upgrade my Linn Lp12 and arm to accomodate (Shelter might be low compliance) and/or optimize the better cartridge.
To "Step up", or not?
I have a general question(s) about the use of step up transformers; Am I better off buying a cartridge that may be higher output and that matches my current phono stage, or buying a lower output cartridge and introducing a step up transformer into the system? Are lower output cartridges generally speaking, better than higher output? For example, I have read in this forum, and others, about the Denon DL103R, and Shelter 501. I would purchase one of these in the future. However, my phono stage only has a gain of 53db, which is not enough for these cartridges. To include one of these fine cartridges in my system, I would need a step up transformer. I am wondering if I would get better sound with a medium output cartridge and not have the step up.