Budget MM Phono Cartridge Recommendation

@inna not all vintage cartridges are great at all, but those cartridges tested my many of us are definitely great and superior to most of the modern MM cartridges and to most of the overpriced modern MC cartridges as well. The demand for the MM cartridges are not so big today, especially among audiophiles. The technologies and materials are way different, no more serious competition between the big companies for the best MM design like it was before. And finally we’re living in the digital era. I think the market for MM/MC cartridges is much smaller today compared to the 70s. Have you noticed the prices for the best MC cartridges? Then you can check the prices for the best vintage MM cartridges on secondhand market, some of them are similar in price to entry level hi-fi MM cartridges. It’s been said that we lost the craftsmanship in some way, an old masters are no longer available. It make sense to seach for vintage MM cartridges, because the price could be lower, but the quality most likely will be much higher. For $500-700 everyone could find outstanding vintage MM cartridge today (and 10 years ago they were much cheaper). An era for high compliance cartridges has ended, so i doubt modern MM cartridge can be as good as the vintage ones. Many manufacturers disappeared from the market in the 80s/90s. When people are talking about modern MM carts they are often mention same 3 models as robots in every post, but there are 30 more amazing vintage cartridges still available used, some of them are rare, but worth to try. That’s my arguments.

The name of this topic is "budget MM cartridge...", considering "best buy for less money" anyone should look for top vintage cartridges as the best option to get better performance level for lower price.  

P.S. I just received Ortofon MC2000 in mint condition, i don’t think i can buy any better modern MC wihout paying 10 times more (i have owned some in the past). So this is also good argument to buy vintage MC cartridges.

If you can find one, the Actutex 420STR is a giant Killer!

Alright, I may try a few one day.

Chakster is absolutely right, we have been living in the digital era already nearly thirty years and a very few cartridge manufacturers of today have no idea what an MM or MC cart should or could be soundwise, I doubt that they have even listened to a truly great cartridge from the Golden Age of High Fidelity, late 70´s - mid 80´s. I wonder have they even born then. Anyway, the enthusiasm and knowledge, all the passion was then.

And as for giant killers, a humble Entré-1 LOMC outperforms many carts both MM and MC, also vintage. Its sound is very powerful accurate and above all, very balanced without usual high register emphasis common with many MC´s. And not a hint of sibilance. It´s that good. If I remember correctly Raul likes it as well. Sorry for this MC off-topic, I just couldn´t resist mention good old Entré. I personally prefer MM´s for many reasons but I mention a great MC when I have listened to one.

Audio Technica AT7V, direct from Japan to LpGear (so it's an authorized US dealer):

o   Nude, square shank elliptical (.0002 x .007 inch) 
o   Uses the same cast aluminum body as the AT150 series (which is a         great improvement sonically over the plastic-bodied units)
o   PCOCC coils and terminal pins
o   Only $158.

And read the user reviews.