"They" say the two most important components are the source and the speakers. In this case, your cartridge is your source. Before you upgrade your cartridge, which I would definitely recommend, I would look beyond the audio tecnica line, and see if you can snag a bargain on a higher end cartridge. A quick look on audiogon, and I found this one: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-sumiko-blue-point-special-evo-iii-hi-high-output-mc-exc...
which is a well known cartridge that is favoribly reviewed. At $550 retail, if you can pick this up for 200-250, that is a heck of an upgrade. Bonus, this is an MC design which is generally superior to MM, but this particular unit is a high output MC, which I think will be fine with your Sony phono rig. Perhaps do some research on the best cartridge in the $300-$600 range, and then hunt for a steal on a used one for $125-$250. I think this may be a better plan. What do you think?
ps I had a Dynavector 10x5 which I thought was great. That could be on your short list. I sold mine for $200.
which is a well known cartridge that is favoribly reviewed. At $550 retail, if you can pick this up for 200-250, that is a heck of an upgrade. Bonus, this is an MC design which is generally superior to MM, but this particular unit is a high output MC, which I think will be fine with your Sony phono rig. Perhaps do some research on the best cartridge in the $300-$600 range, and then hunt for a steal on a used one for $125-$250. I think this may be a better plan. What do you think?
ps I had a Dynavector 10x5 which I thought was great. That could be on your short list. I sold mine for $200.