favorite phono cartridge

+1 Peter with PBN Audio the Lyra Etna

I've had several carts. Currently using my favorite, an AT OC9/II. I;ve tried a few others including a Lyra Clavis da Capo. I just like the OC9/II the best. Works exceptional well with a Herron VTPH-2.

Clearaudio Insider Reference Wood - Has beat every cartridge I have used in 50 years.
FWIW - I have never spent more than $4K for a cartridge, so I cannot compare to those more exotic models.

Audio Technica at-ml170/occ, still my all time favorite

There is no reasonable answer for this question. Each and every cartridge has its own merits. Also each an every system has its own weak/strong points. Last of all each and every one of us has own taste.

If everything is neutral, which i mean system and user and we only decide for the cartridge, i beleive who owns a neutral system has a neutral taste and try to find the best possible neutral cartridge in his/her budget, and if we are talking about cost no object, zyx universe 2, lyra atlas can be relativley considered neutral.