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Cartridge upgrade for vintage TT - MM or MC?

I have a Technics SL-D202 that currently has a Sumiko Pearl on it, which is OK but I don't totally love it. The midrange is nice but the treble in particular is lacking. Compared to my digital source it sounds dull and lifeless and therefore I hardly use it.

My question is, would it be at all worth it to upgrade the cartridge or should I just wait until I can upgrade the TT totally?  I am considering the Schiit Sol in the future if they ever get it back on the market but my wife really likes the automatic function of our current table so I may be stuck with it or something similar at least for now.

I had considered trying a lower-end MC cartridge and seeing how that sounds but any other recommendations would be appreciated.

I use a Schiit Mani pre which can be adjusted for any cart (or so I'm told).  

The table came stock with a AT-71E and I also tried a Shure MX97e but neither of those really wow'ed me.
elangley01
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Any vintage MM from the "cartridge of the month" in our old thread, your digital will always be completely different until you will upgrade the turntable and tonearm, not only the cartridge. it is also depends on the record pressing. You need a high resolution MM cartridge like AT-ML150 OCC or at least something like Victor X-1IIe to make the hell out of your records. With more money there are many more killer MM or MI cartridges like Grace, Stanton etc. Make sure to stay away of the low compliance MC cartridges with your current technics tonearm and phono.
elangley01 OP
93 posts
 
Those carts you mentioned, are they vintage? I don't really see any available anywhere.

What about something like the AT VM540ML? 

I was also looking at the Grado Silver/Gold or the Otofon 2M blue in the same price range. 

It's difficult to know which one my ears will like better not being able to audition them with my setup. 
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rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear @elangley01 The today AT cartridges are really good and the Ortofon too. Even you can look to the all new options that Sumiko has in its new cartridge designs.

You can't wrong with either inside your budget and with new today cartridge designs you have the warranty of the manufacturer for any problem you can have that I think you will not.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
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