Help me make a decision! Turntable overload

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.

I just pulled the trigger a few hours ago on the Pioneer PLX 1000 $699 to my doorstep w/ one year warranty.  I'm really excited, but now that I made THAT decision, I have to make another one on the Cart...  

I think I will forgo the Ortofon Black as my "first cartridge" and am leaning toward the Ortofon Bronze right now.  Anyone want to talk me out of it?  

I'd say my budget is $500.  And my Preamp will tolerate MC so if its in my budget and sounds good...?  

I listen to Classic Rock, Jazz, Indie, Electronic, Alt Rock, HipHop, etc...

Cartridge does not recognize a genre of music, a good cartridge is neutral cartridge for any genre of music!   

You should get the specs of the tonearm and use the vinylengine calculator to see what mass cartridges are a good match for your arm to yield a resonance in the green section (ideally ~9-12hz). If you are confused by my comment please don't rush on your decision. Read up, bro! Or you could get a great cartridge that's a poor match for you arm. 


Somebody mentioned a Denon 103R being a good match w/his PLX1000, if the math works, that's a well known workhorse with great pace, punchy bass and decent performance overall. Some like Zu Audio have modded them by replacing the body with wood or metal and those have a lot of fans. They are in your target price range. 

Hana is another brand with a number of models close in price (one should match your arm) and seem to be great values as a newer company trying to build a reputation. Cheers,
Spencer