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Budget MM Phono Cartridge Recommendation

Looking to upgrade the cartridge on my Technics SL-3300 (w/AT95E) with a budget cartridge, under $200.
The following are what I've been able to find in this price range, one from each brand:

Sumiko Pearl
Ortofon 2M Red Verso
Grado Blue1 Prestige
Audio Technica VM530EN

And for a little bit more, Ortofon 2M Blue.

Any recommendations from this list or you think I'm wasting my money...keeping in mind this is a budget upgrade.
Thanks in advance.
128x128kalali
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Vintage Fidelity-Research FR-5E for 50% of your budget or even less, killing them all.
Also look for A&R (Arcam) P77, if you can find an old Ortofon M20FL Super under $200 go for it.
For a bit more Stanton 881S 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,830 posts
 
Nagaoka MP110. Great drive and musicality. Sweet through all frequencies.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,701 posts
 
The Grado is a great match for the 12 gram technics arm!
arh
366 posts
 
I would recomment the Ortofon Red. I have had the Bronze and then the Black. Great cartridges
Alan
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