Vinyl noob needs help with cartridge

What is your total budget for a phono stage and a cartridge?

i am trying to stay around 1k for the combo.  a little over is fine.  the zu audio w/ clearaudio nano is right at 1k.  the ifi w/ the 10x will be just slightly over.   if i am not mistaken both phonos will handle mm/mc and I like the adjustable impedance and gain options.

For a while I used the Dynavector 10x5 with a PS Audio GCPH. That combo can be had for $1k, if you buy the phono stage used, and the cartridge new.

I think MC is the way to go.  I am not an expert, but I seem to think investing in a MM setup is limiting yourself.

if you go with a setup like this, it gives you the flexibility to upgrade phono stages at some point, and stick with the MC Dynavector.

good luck!

I was a dealer for and have personally owned everything listed above except for the SoundSmith.

While I'm a HUGE Dynavector fan, (probably my favorite cartridge manufacturer), the 10X5 is okay, but not in the same league as the other carts listed.  If you could afford a higher end Dyna, like a 17D3 or above, that would be my choice.

This is strictly my opinion, but I have a massive amount of experience in the turntable/arm/cart arena. Okay, my list, (of the carts you mentioned above) would be in order:

Zu/Denon 103
Audio Technica OC9/III
Audio Technica AT33
Ortofon Bronze
Dynavector 10X5

Mofimadness

can you elaborate on the virtues of the various carts specifically the zu and audio technica?  Thanks