Which wood Grado

Can I get that with the $600 or $700 budget in the Wood line and which one would be the best. MM or MC.

All Grado cartridges are MI, not an MC:

"Although we were granted our patents for the stereo moving coil cartridge in 1959 we ceased manufacturing moving coil cartridges a few years later. We discovered that the moving coil design has an inherent issue that causes a high frequency emphasis which cannot be corrected through any type of engineering. This encouraged Grado Labs into patenting a platform of moving iron phono cartridges. The Moving iron design eliminated all of the known issues of the moving coils."

My favorite Grado is Signature XTZ model, made by Joe Grado in the 80s. Within your budget you’d better look for some top vintage MM or MI for your tonearm. Victor X-1II or X-1IIe are amazing just to name a few.

If you looking for MC then Fidelity-Research PMC-3 would be the best with heavy headshell and sub weight for your tonearm. Very nice cartridge, pretty rare. You can find more in Fidelity-Research thread.

Another MC with relatively high compliance would be Dynavector DV23RS MR (with Ruby cantilever and Micro Ridge tip). You can find more in Dynavector thread.

P.S. If you want ONLY brand new cartridge then you can buy Garrott P77i or higher model and report back how do you like them, some of us are happy with old version. They are all MM. Find more: https://garrottbrothers.com/ Replacement styli are available everyday and it’s much better than sending cart to re-tip (in case with MC).

My advice for your 1200GR:
Remove rubber mat and add Micro Seiki CU-180 gunmental mat or SAEC SS-300 alloy mat. 

+1 yogiboy! The Sonatas are a good choice! My experience with Grados goes back to 1976 (FTE +). Always a top contender for cost/performance!

Thank you chakster for your advice on mats! I am going to try my MIJ magnesium mat on my PLX1000 in place of rubber!

last_lemming: I too have an SL1200GR and Thiel 2.4s and I have a Grado Sonata that sounds pretty good through the rig (Manley amplification). I also have an Ortofon Black that is priced similarly and I think it is a superior cartridge compared to the Sonata. The Black has a shibata stylus and retrieves far more high frequencies than does the Sonata. The mat I use is Herbie’s Way Excellent - 4 mm http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm

Sounds like the sonata is the one you are looking for.  Comes in high and low output.  I like the low output with a sut.  The sonata has real meat on it bones.  The mid range is top tier.  Maybe the best in the business.  On the whole a very musical enjoyable cart.

Enjoy the ride
Tom