Budget MM Phono Cartridge Recommendation

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.

kalali

What specs are useful when comparing cartridge performance?

Mass, compliance, output level, stylus profile.

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). 

You can maximize performance while staying within your budget if you choose the Shelter 201 MM cartridge and buy through a Japan-based storefront on eBay.

When the 201 was introduced via authorized dealer to the US, it was priced just a little over $200. Over time, rave reviews seemed to result in the MSRP creeping upward. Now it's $310 from a US authorized dealer. However, there are several Japan storefronts on eBay that offer the Shelter 201 for under $180 with free shipping.

I bought mine 13 mos. ago from this vendor. It was $166.97 at the time but the slight increase is probably based on dollar-to-yen fluctuations.

The important things are:
o Shipping was free and prompt with no hassles or hidden fees 
o It was in Shelter factory packing
o It's well within your budget
o It sounds *fabulous* (after break-in) and excels on a wide variety of material. And by that I mean rock, small group jazz, big band, chamber music, large-scale orchestra, solo cello, Frank Sinatra, female vocals, etc. It is lush with great presentation of solo voices, provides fully-fleshed out tonality, good soundstaging, and ambience without the detail swallowing up the essence of the music.
o It's cheap to own. The Shelter 201 replacement stylus is only $100 through authorized US dealers such as NeedleDoctor. By contrast, the Ortofon 2M Blue stylus is $204.

"Modern MM carts are crap compared to vintage MM carts (with just a few exceptions)." Can´t agree more.

On of the best if not the best exception is Audio-Technica AT150ANV, limited edition premium VM cartridge:
https://www.google.fi/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&u...
It´s no budget of course but a top quality product from a respected classic manufacturer. Unfortunately it´s very expensive nowadays, it was half the price a few years back.

Or you can try to find vintage gems such as ACUTEX M320 STR III (short nose, the best of Acutex), AT 20SS, SHURE Ultra 400. Good luck !