I have two VPI Prime Signature turntables. I have had the following carts on them:
Koetsu Vermillion
Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum
Cardas Benz Silver Ruby 3
Van den Hul Crimson
Van den Hul Colibri Stradivarius
I can say that you will need an excellent cartridge to ever be satisfied with your turntable. While the Koetsu carts are very mellow
they simply cannot compete with the Van den Huls. The Cardas Benz is very good but again not as good as the Van den Hul. In your price range I think a used Crimson would work very well.
The VPI arm is well suited to it. Several are for sale on Audiogon.
Hope this helps.
BTW, I am in no way associated with any of these firms.
Koetsu Vermillion
Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum
Cardas Benz Silver Ruby 3
Van den Hul Crimson
Van den Hul Colibri Stradivarius
I can say that you will need an excellent cartridge to ever be satisfied with your turntable. While the Koetsu carts are very mellow
they simply cannot compete with the Van den Huls. The Cardas Benz is very good but again not as good as the Van den Hul. In your price range I think a used Crimson would work very well.
The VPI arm is well suited to it. Several are for sale on Audiogon.
Hope this helps.
BTW, I am in no way associated with any of these firms.