Well, my real to real is too old, it is more for the decoration and looks very attractive, got it from my gradfather.
Anyway, i have mentioned in another thread that
one of my AT-ML170 is looking for a new home. I have the AT-ML180 OCC to keep.
I really doubt that any new MM cartridge can compete with AT-ML170 or Technics EPC-100c mk4 from that article, just because nobody uses such revolutionary technologies in MM design nowadays, materials are not available, and the market demand is not so high. It's hard to imagine the price for something like AT-ML180 OCC or Technics EPC-100c mk4 if they were made today. It's a pinnacle of the MM design and very few cartridges can compete with them, but i can mention a few: Grace F-14 BR/MR, Glanz MFG-61.
But a friend of mine has replaced his Ortofon 2M with NOS Stanton 881s mkII and was very impressed even on his cheap project turntable.
Personally i like a lot my Stanton SC-100 WOS signature model with sapphire coated cantilever and nude Stereohedron tip.