i'm not big fan of very low output cartridges. simply they don't make sense to me. it's an urge of either using ultra-high gain phono preamp(preferred) or step-up transformer(extra unnecessary expense -- i'm cheap freak). ultra-high gain phono preamps(over 60dB of gain) may also be either very expensive or noisier than moderate gain ones by nature. i also like in general performance of moving coil cartridges better than mm. therefore i'd recommend medium or high output moving coil cartridges within .5 to 3 mV. on my list it would be pioneer 6mc, Denon DL160.
Vinyl noob needs help with cartridge
I wanted to,dip into vinyl so I swung a deal on a super scoutmaster signature. I am now trying to decide on a cart. I am a vinyl newbie and have been trying to bone up on everything. I was originally going to get an ortofon 2m black, but it's more than I really want to spend. I considered the 2m bronze, the sound smith otello (or the modded version from mapleshade), and the zu audio modded denon103. Anyone have an opinion on those choices? Is the 2m black worth the extra? Any others closer to 500.00 that are of honorable mention?