Best value in a HO movig magnet $150-$200

Al is correct, but I second Mofimadness' opinion. Go with the Ortofon 2M Red. It lands below your price point, has the capacitance Al notes and has a replaceable stylus. I am totally satisfied with mine. Good luck and happy listening!

Ortofon 2M Blue

Ortofon 2M Red at 5.5 mV for $100.00 is all you need.

You will be hard pressed to find a better HO MM cart under $200.00 than this one. Go for it and save the extra $$$.

Thanks to all who have responded. Special thank to MoFi for pointing out the faux pas of not seeing the freakin stylus guard. It seems everyone loves the Ortofon 2M Red. Nevertheless,I have to ask why is the 2M Blue $136.00 more, and how does this translate into supposedly better performance?? Is the difference just marginal??

Jim...The 2M Red has an elliptical stylus and the 2M blue has a nude elliptical stylus. Same engine and body.

You can start with the Red and replace the stylus assembly with the Blue and have the same thing as buying the Blue upfront. That's what I plan to do when I need to replace/upgrade from my Red.

The Bronze and Black allow the same thing. Both of these have an upgraded body and stylus shape over the Red/Blue series.

There is a seller that I found for a used 2M Bronze that has about 150 hours on it that the seller wants around $250 (it retails for around $425). If you PM me, I can give you the details, if you are interested. No relation to the seller, just passing on a great deal.