cartridge recommendation for Thorens TD166 MKII

Audio Technica VM540ML @$249 is clear and clean with plenty of sparkle. Give it a week to run in.

Thanks, was looking at this one. has great reviews.

and don't forget, the 540 has one of the best midranges going. one of my fav  carts for under a kilo buck.

Grace F9 with F14 (RS14 or US-14) stylus would be nice.
New type of RS-9E also good for lower price.

Another option is Grace F8C (Custom series) with stylus from LEVEL II like blue RS-8F (Shibata type). "Custom" (F8C) was the latest in F8 series before they release Grace LEVEL II ultimate series. F8C is inexpensive model, it can be significantly upgraded with LEVEL II stylus (which is definitely not cheap). 

I have the same turntable. I am using an Ortofon 2M Bronze (MM) Verso cartridge. The stylus is a nude fineline and is detailed and pleasing. If you go this route, make sure to buy the Verso version, which is specifically designed for Thorens-style undermount headshell/cartridge configurations. The Verso version is just outside your price range at @ $450.00. As a bonus, if you ever choose to upgrade, you can swap in an Ortofon 2M Black (MM) Shibata replacement stylus.