Help me make a decision! Turntable overload

That being said it’s not very difficult it’s just about making sure you are thorough and take your time.

Okay I'm back in!  I'm methodical and thorough, and a researcher - drives my wife nuts because it takes me forever to make decisions lol.

If I were to get an ortofon bronze or black, I need the whole Pnp assembly right?  something like this:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ortofon-2M-Bronze-PnP-MM-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge-incl-Stylus/232904358573

Also, would the Black have a longer lifespan over the Bronze, being a diamond and all...?

I see why people don't like  Rega Planer 3; it doesn't sing until after you do all the tweaks, but does it sing?

I forgot how much money because that was over a period of time, replacing the tone arm wire was tricky and required a bit of skill, but that was the biggest improvement; beside the motor of course.

Nevertheless, after all of the tweaks, it's no longer a Planer 3, and I wouldn't trade it or sell it.

I wouldn't advise you to get a 2M Black if you go for the Pioneer  PLX 1000. The tonearm doesn't really suit the Black. You would be wasting the money.

If you like the 2M series, stick with the Bronze or lower.

For the Pioneer truntable you can buy the best Pioneer MM cartridge ever made (vintage one), designed for Pioneer Exclussive series of turntables, those old Pioneer Exclussive easily goes for $10 000 today. The cartridge on my picture is Pioneer PC-1000 mkII and it’s a giant killer MM (Beryllium Cantilever, Nude Elliptical tip).

Unfortunately new Pioneer turntable is not as good as the old Pioneer turntables. Look for the Pioneer PL-70 II

Vintage MM cartridges from the golden era are much better than many modern MC and definitely better than modern MM.