Cartridge upgrade

If you would like to upgrade whithout spending too much then MM or MI path is the best, in $400-1500 you can buy some exceptional cartridges, mostly vintage ones (from the 70s/80s), but can be found NOS (unused). You already have an MC from respected manufacturer, maybe you want to try some killer MM or MI ? If your top is $1500 believe me it’s enough for the very best ones!

What if you want to upgrade phono stage too ? What would you like to improve ? This is debatable but I think that phono stage should be better than cartridge, and often, with the exception of vintage cartridges, this means at least double the price.

oh, OK so I am using a Modwright LS100 with a phono stage. It supports both MC and MM. It has plaenty of gain and is a good preamp. Im sure i can spend lots more to get better. I was thinking Clearaudio or Soundsmith? I think the Lyra cartridges are little too clear sterile to me. Prefer a warmer sound. I find MB is pretty natural if not the last word in detail.

Have you heard about Miyajima cartridges ? Models like Shilabe and Kansui ? They are not in your price range, but if you're looking for some organic sound then try them. 

I'm sure Fidelity-Research MC cartridges like Fr-7f or PMC-3 is what you have to check for the same reason if you have the right tonearm for them. 

Clearaudio cartridges made by Audio-Technica (with AT generators) if you don't know. The vintage AT-ML180 OFC is unbeatable, but very rare!  Victor X-1II is another vintage MM adored by many on audiogon, simply seach for feedbacks from many users.