Decent backup cartridge

Consider replacing the Red stylus with a Blue stylus for under $150.

DeKay

I actually started out with a blue.  And it was nice. I guess I’m trying to talk myself into something above that,, just a bit.  Probably play around with something new to me?  Moving coil might be fun, I don’t know.  Primarily a better backup that might be fun to drop back in occasionally.  

An MP-200 would fit in your budget, and Nagaokas have a similar sound to SS cartridges.

Is this a Back Up Cartridge or an Infill Period Cartridge.

How many hours is the Cart' expected to have usage as a weekly period? 

Back Up,  for me is a Substitute Cart' possibly to be used to preserve the longevity of another Cart' as an attractive End Sound option, which a reasonable sum might be considered to be spent to acquire a particular Voicing for a Cart' from a Brand that has attraction. 

Infill, for me is a make do Cart' whilst something else is in waiting, like your own situation or a host of others that has similar influence on how a TT is to being used. A Cart' is not thought of as needing to be satisfying all wants for an End Sound, and does not need to be an excess cost, as it seen as a Temporary Measure.

Infill, as the wanted option, broadens the field of considerations and does allow Curve Ball suggestions to be made, as the New Experience that can be had for producing an End Sound might be an impact on oneself not thought possible for the good impression made.

Not too long ago, I was blown away by a Ceramic Cart' in use, and had to buy into the Model to always have the option at hand.         

Any Grado should fit the bill!

https://gradolabs.com/pages/phono-cartridges

The $599 Soundsmith  Otello is my backup.

https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/fixed-coil/otello

Imagine what your Zephyr does well, but turned down a  notch.

The mids/high are there,  but the bass impact is tempered-still convincing  and enjoyable.  

I bought mine when it was  still $399.

IMO underrated bargain/emergency cart.

I went from an Ortofon Blue to an Ortofon Bronze and think that the upgrade was worthwhile. For a "while you wait" cartridge you might be pleasantly surprised for not too much money. 

I like my Hana E cart. A bit on the polite side, but great tone and texture.

The Goldring 1042 is very good IMO. 

easy the Denon I think it is model DH-103 but you need to add the wood shell.

It is one of the best kept secrets in audio,

My backup is that same as my primary...Ortofon Cadenza Black. I found a really good deal on one and bought it. When my primary starts to have any issues, I will which and have the older one retipped.

+1 Nagaoka MP200.  You could add a JN-P stylus to it down the road for a pretty major upgrade.

Nagaoka MP-200.  

Ortofon 2M Black. At $719 very few(if any) cartridges have the neutrality/speed and dynamics at this price point.

Was in same position as you, just with a Zephyr (I) and got an Ortofon black. 

Nagaoka MP-200

Hana EH = you can skip the pre-preamp and just go right into the MM input. Still a Hana, still MC.

Grados and VPIs often have serious unsolvable hum issues.

Hana EH for high output , Denon DL-103 for lower output IMHO.

Hana EH for high output , Denon DL-103 for lower output IMHO.

Get a $125 Grado Prestige Green. 

@panzrwagn : I never had hum problems with any Grado.

Dekay+1. The Ortofon 2M Blue is an excellent upgrade to the Red.  I own both a 2M Bronze and a Blue as backups and I actually prefer the Blue with its more relaxed sound as compared to the Bronze and tracks just as well.  As Dekay pointed out, you can’t beat the price!  And maybe within a minute, you can swap out the Red stylus with no further adjustments necessary.  At that price, you can dig out all those used records you may have been reluctant to play with your Zephyr.

@jasonbourne71 I ordered a Grado Platinum 3, then a Sonata 3 both of them were unusable in my system. Music Direct was unable to offer any advice which might mitigate the hum, including different cables, different grounding, even different preamp - nada. FWIW, back in the day, the AR Xa and Xb were also a no-go with Grados for the same reason, so the problem is neither new nor unique. Swap in the Hana I got in exchange, plus a little cash, and no issues whatsoever.  MD was great,and patient, but they just had no answers.  

Hana SL can be had for $600 or less. Check with HiFi Heaven or 2juki on eBay. 

The Audio Technica VM95ML is surprisingly good, despite its very cheap price, and an ideal back up cartridge. I often listen to it in place of my Lyra Delos or Cadenza Bronze and find it very musical and engaging.