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Budget MM Phono Cartridge Recommendation

Looking to upgrade the cartridge on my Technics SL-3300 (w/AT95E) with a budget cartridge, under $200.
The following are what I've been able to find in this price range, one from each brand:

Sumiko Pearl
Ortofon 2M Red Verso
Grado Blue1 Prestige
Audio Technica VM530EN

And for a little bit more, Ortofon 2M Blue.

Any recommendations from this list or you think I'm wasting my money...keeping in mind this is a budget upgrade.
Thanks in advance.
128x128kalali
inna
7,296 posts
 
I would go with Nagaoka 150 or Grado Gold, $275 and $260 respectively, from lpgear.com. Both will sound full and dynamic.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Plus one on the Nagaoka 110.  Great cartridge regardless of price.
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 
Thanks. What specs are useful when comparing cartridge performance? I was initially looking at channel separation dB - higher the better, but that doesn't necessarily seem to track relative quality among cartridges, even within the same brand.
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cleeds
5,943 posts
 
kalali
What specs are useful when comparing cartridge performance?
Mass, compliance, output level, stylus profile.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Ignore the specs, it’s very bad idea to compare cartridges!

Look for cantilever material, stylus tip, moving mass (and compliance for your tonearm).

To spend less and to get much better quality look for vintage MM cartridges recommended by experienced users. Modern MM carts are crap compared to vintage MM carts (with just a few exceptions). 
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