Best for you or best for me ?
For this reason there is no best cartridge.
If you ask why some MC cartridges are better than others you will understand some of them are unique, this is a prime example of relatively cheap and unique MC called "Direct-Coupled", printed micro coil located right above the cantilever, this is the one with very dynamic sound. Audio-Technica engineers are inspired by this technology, as the result we have new ART-1000 (a very expensive modern MC made under impression of Victor Direct-Coupled design).
Shibata stylus invented by Victor Corporation.
MC1 has Beryllium cantilever.
As you can see in the catalog there are more great models, look at Victor X-1IIe (Titanium/Elliptical) MM - this is a great alternative to nearly all modern MC you can buy under $700. And the top Victor MM model is X-1II (Beryllium/Shibata).
Regarding some great classics i would recommend Dynavector KARAT 23RS Ruby with MicroReach stylus, they are normally under $700 in mint condition. More about Dynavector carts in my thread here.
For this reason there is no best cartridge.
If you ask why some MC cartridges are better than others you will understand some of them are unique, this is a prime example of relatively cheap and unique MC called "Direct-Coupled", printed micro coil located right above the cantilever, this is the one with very dynamic sound. Audio-Technica engineers are inspired by this technology, as the result we have new ART-1000 (a very expensive modern MC made under impression of Victor Direct-Coupled design).
Shibata stylus invented by Victor Corporation.
MC1 has Beryllium cantilever.
As you can see in the catalog there are more great models, look at Victor X-1IIe (Titanium/Elliptical) MM - this is a great alternative to nearly all modern MC you can buy under $700. And the top Victor MM model is X-1II (Beryllium/Shibata).
Regarding some great classics i would recommend Dynavector KARAT 23RS Ruby with MicroReach stylus, they are normally under $700 in mint condition. More about Dynavector carts in my thread here.