Best MC Cartridge $300.00 or less

If low-output try Ortofon MC-25FL or Audio-Technica OC-9 (exeptional) if High-output Sumiko "blue point special"

AT-OC9, Denon 103, especially 103D if you can find one. Both are competitive with carts over $1K IMO.

i like my ortofon mc-25fl, also. i also liked my sumiko blue-point; never heard the *special*, but i wood imagine it's even better. i've heard nice things about the a-t oc9, but have no 1st-hand experience. i'm currently awaiting receipt of a 50-hr-old dynavector karat 17, retail $750, i paid <1/3rd that. we'll see if it's worthwhile buying a used cartridge...

Sumiko Blue Point Special