Much better MM cartridge than Shure V15 IV?

Thanks Inna and Audiofeil, for the reality check.....My system could be called 'mid-fi', which is why I'm not sure how to prioritize my upgrades.

Amp is Rogue Cronus tube integrated (with ss phono for MM only). Speakers Stirling LS3/5a, cables Kimber Monocle XL.

I had thought of a Pro-ject phono tube box SE as a first step upgrade option, or (much bigger bucks), invest in a Well-tempered, VPI Classic or Linn LP12 turntable, and keep the Shure and everything else as is.

What would you do?

I'd leave the cartridge alone and invest in a really good phono preamp.

Even the best moving magnets will perform only "ok" in that arm. And the Shure V15-IV is no slouch btw.

IMO

What is your phono stage and the rest of the system? Your music and sound preferences? Before putting $1k cartridge on mid-fi table better take your time. What if you want to upgrade the table first? There are other and much cheaper good MM cartridges: Nagaoka 300 and 500, Goldring 1042, Garrott. Cartridge, within reason, is the least important part of analog front end. If you like Grado you probably won't like Ortofon.

Ortofon 2M Bronze or Black

Samaato,

If you don't mine me answering your question, I will give you a suggestion. I have 2 of the Virtuoso's. One is original, and the other was sent to Soundsmith for their basic ($150), stylus upgrade. The difference was jaw dropping. I'm sending the other one even though there is nothing wrong with it for the same treatment. Best $150 I ever spent!

Marakanetz: Thanks for the Interesting suggestion...seems to have the right specs too. What do you do about stylus replacement? How well does the stylus wear?

Go straight to the top of the Mountain. Marakanetz could not have said it better!

There is definite three word combo: Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood.