Cartridge recommendation for classical listening

@rvpiano great, now while you are enjoying your new cartridge you’d better send your Grado MI for inspection to make sure the stylus is not worn out.

The hum problem is gone with Sumiko ?

It is always worth to get back to the old cartridge after a few month of using new one. Then you can make a honest opinion to make sure you’re not just biased by the new toy :)) If you need more definition use your Grado with 100k Ohm loading instead of 47k Ohm.

Since the stylus tip on your Sumiko is just an Elliptical (you have the same on Grado) i don’t quite understand how you can get a better definition, probably what you hear is a typical MC high frequency raise and some sort of coloration you might prefer over neutrality of the Grado.

Look at the specs:
Your Grado: 10Hz - 60khz
Your Sumiko: 10Hz - 50khz

As you can see the specs for your Grado is slightly better. 

I’m using my Grado XTZ with 100k Ohm Vishay Naked Foil resistors, i have replaced conventional cheap stock 47k Ohm load resistors in my phono stage (just two resistors) and it was a huge upgrade!

The XTZ Grado has superior stylus profile called TWIN TIP.
You could upgrade your Grado with better stylus profile, not sure if the Grado Labs can do that for you, but you can ask.

Part of  (but NOT all) of the hum problem was a faulty outlet.
The Grado/Rega combination always had a hum.  The Sumiko has no hum at all.
I know there is a “new toy” syndrome, but the improvement was evident immediately.
 I think the Grado is probably a little worn out, but it never sounded like the Sumiko.  If anything, the Grado was more “colored.”

I think this article could be interesting read if you want to know the opinion about MC coloration from professionals.

Anyway, personal preferences is just personal.  

Elliptical stylus has very short life span compared to LineContact and Micro Ridge type of styli. 

Based on the bad opinion of the Sumiko stated here and also the purported extreme fragility of the Sumiko I’m thinking of returning it.
The dealer is giving me the option of the Clear Audio Virtuoso cartridge.
I don’t think I can get a refund.
Any opinion about this cartridge vis-a-vis the Sumiko.
 It’s either one or the other.

?? It sounded like you enjoyed what the Sumiko was doing!

I would still consider getting the motor grounded in your turntable. But some cartridges are less sensitive to that noise (Sumiko) and there is an old saying I'm sure you've heard before- 'if it works don't fix it'  :)

I've had good luck with the Sumiko cartridges. Like any other, it must be a good match with the tonearm.