Cartridge recommendation for classical listening

I don’t think i can use a moving coil, because the output level of my vintage Conrad-Johnson preamp is Low and designed for moving magnet.

Here is what you like:
Grado Reference Sonata1 Phono Cartridge Specifications:

- Type: Moving Iron
- Output voltage: 5mV
- Frequency response: 10Hz - 60kHz
- Load impedance: 47k ohms
- Channel separation: 40dB
- Stylus type: Nude elliptical
- Stylus replacement: Factory replaceable
- Mounting: 1/2 inch
- Compliance: 20mm/N
- Tracking force: .075 - 2.0 g
- Recommended tracking force: 1.5 g
- Weight: 6.5 g

You could try another Induced magnet (IM) cartridge, but without that notorious Grado HUM problem, for example the ADC TRX II with Sapphire cantilever and much better Vital III stylus tip. This is a high compliance cartridge. Look for NOS samples, actually with your budget withing $1k you could buy two great MM or MI cartridges. 

I have Grado XTZ myself and many other cartridges in my collection are more refined than Grado signature XTZ. 

I believe for a classical music you need a high-ish compliance cartridge with high resolution guaranteed by refined stylus profile and very low moving mass. 

I could highly recommend Grace LEVEL II Ruby if you want something serious. There are more great profiles for LEVEL II model including MicroRidge / Boron.

Grace moving magnet cartridges are very nice! 

Remember those superb vintage MM/MI that can easily pass a test (  cannon shots ) on Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture (Telarc LP) ?? Only exceptional cartridges can stay in the groove while playing those Cannon Shots, suspension of the cartridge must be very well designed. 

If you want to stay with mid compliance then Victor X-1II (MM) series is something special too.  





  

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