Budget MM Phono Cartridge Recommendation

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.

+ 3 for Nagoda 110 !