Turntable upgrade recommendations: SME vs AMG vs Technics vs other

Guys, everyone has a valid point here. No, the Strain gauge does not reverse the RIAA curve as accurately as a good phono stage. But, it is capable of very good reproduction. In particular it's transient response is excellent so it's reproduction of percussion is first class. The sound it produces is more sharply etched, not as warm as some would like. If it has a major failing it is tracking ability. It can not hold on to the groove at higher velocities. It may miss track on highly modulated passages. It's distortion levels are also a bit higher than the best moving coil cartridges. 

Having gone through a lot of reviews lately I have noticed that Lyra and Ortofon cartridges consistently perform at the top in terms of distortion levels and tracking ability. I have always liked the Lyra Atlas and the SL version would work super with a transimpedance phono stage. For myself I have narrowed it down to three cartridges, the Atlas SL, the MSL Signature Platinum and the Ortofon Versimo. 

@drbond , If you fain interest in a $10,000 piece they will jump to attention. I am with you on VPI. Not my cup of tea.

@rauliruegas, Last night I purchased a newly remastered for digital copy of The Band's Cahoots in 24/96. It is easily the best version of that album I have ever heard. The sound stage definition is much better than my original vinyl copy. The reason it sounds so much better is probably not the format but the mastering. Another issue I am noticing frequently is on more recordings than not the space in between instruments and voices is quieter. Some would say "blacker" but, they really mean quieter. With analog playback there is more ...fuzziness around the edges of many recordings. On the other hand many of the older records were mastered on substandard systems resulting in amplitude and sound stage errors when played back on a good system. When that happens it is easy for the remasters to shine. 

@mijostyn

I ended up having to ship my Rega P8 to Mt Kisco, NY for evaluation, to David and Alma at Accent on Music. They are very kind and helpful people. They were going to evaluate my TT regardless of expectations. Fortunately for them, my Rega cartridge had failed in one channel, and I needed a new cartridge. (Mind you, this cartridge probably had less than 100 hours on it.) I purchased a $2,000 Linn Krystal cartridge from them, largely since they recommended it, and paid them for their labor as well, so I hope that they made out well .. . which brings me to this thread, as I have probably put 200 hours on the Linn cartridge since I got it back in September, and so my interest in analog is piqued, and I am consequently looking to upgrade even more!

...and it looks like Accent on Music carries Orotofon, so I think I'll be calling them to purchase the MC Verismo when the time comes. 

"Another issue I am noticing frequently is on more recordings than not the space in between instruments and voices is quieter. Some would say "blacker" but, they really mean quieter. With analog playback there is more ...fuzziness around the edges of many recordings. On the other hand many of the older records were mastered on substandard systems resulting in amplitude and sound stage errors when played back on a good system. When that happens it is easy for the remasters to shine."

Are you here comparing old vinyl to new vinyl (re-issues) or hi-rez digital to vinyl, or what?  The idea that "many of the older records were mastered on substandard systems" that result in "amplitude and sound stage errors" strikes me as not supported by any data.  Just your aural impressions.

It's a good idea to buy your analogue front end from one place, so that they can set it up properly. Unless, of course, you are already an adept.

IMO