Phono cartridge for classic rock

>> I am tracking at 1.7 gm
Meaningless data, since every cartridge is unique (especially cartridges that resolve at the level of the UNIii).

>> I recall you mentioning your cartridge relaxed some Doug
Yes. I adjust VTF virtually every session, based on sonics.

>> 0.01 increments?
Yes, though "increments" suggests a precise measuring that I don't bother doing. I adjust until sonics are optimal.

>> My digital scale jumps around more than that
Mine too, but that's irrelevant. I haven't used my scale since I first mounted the cartridge. A scale can't tell you what optimal VTF is. Only your ears can do that.

> (O ring time?)
Maybe. The Talea has a VTF fine-adjust knob on the end stub. Use that first. If you need finer adjustment, O-rings like I use on the TriPlanar are effective, easy, repeatable and cheap. Sliding one O-ring in or out by its own width will affect VTF by less than .01g, but may have an audible impact.

The percentage of crap recordings in rock is higher than in classical or jazz.

I would say true, however there's crap recordings of all genres.

Denon 103 or Audio Technica line of MM cartridges. I stand by Audio Technica, especially if you have a vintage rig.

Since the OP mentioned a desire for a classic high-performance MM/M cartridge from the height of the LP era:

You can still get a NOS Stanton 681II cartridge. You can also upgrade it with a Shibata stylus.

You can also still get a NOS ADC ZLM cartridge.

Grado also has limited production of their top-line carts (other than the Joseph Grado Signature Series) from the '70s and '80s. I had one of those and it was simply fantastic for every kind of music, throwing a massive 3D soundstage.

Here are the full cartridges:

F1+
G1+
G2+

If you have a Grado Prestige cartridge body lying around, you can upgrade it with these limited production stylii.

In addition to the replacement stylii available for these cartridges, you can also upgrade a Prestige cartridge (Silver or Gold version recommended) with the stylii back in production for the Joe Grado Signature Series:

8MZ
MCZ
TLZ
XTZ

Doug

Modern rock remasters can be a nightmare

I bought a more soulful Booker T rerelease on Sundaze the other day
Completely shrill

I listen to a lot more chamber, romantic and jazz music but I can't remember it because I am so inibriated and the strings cresendos are doing 150 db

I Follow you - set with your ears not your eyes

So are your ears a weatherman's barometer?