MC Cartridge: Elliptical; around 0.5mv; track 1.25-1.75; Affordable

Elliott,

I “dipped my toe” into MC with the AT OC9XEN that hdm recommended. I’m really happy with it and recommend it for lower/mid level TTs. My TT is nothing special - Pro-ject Debut Carbon with the platter upgrade - and I was using an Ortofon 2M Blue that had good clarity and decent soundstage, but was harsh.

The OC9 made a big positive difference. Soundstage is larger with much greater depth, instrument/vocal imaging and separation are a big step up, and I gained a lot of warmth with slightly improved precision over the 2M Blue. The downside (if you can call it a downside) is that I now hear more rumble and noise from the Debut Carbon, so I’m looking to upgrade my TT after fitting the OC9. The cartridge improved the sound a lot, but also really brought out the TT’s limitations to my ears.

Best wishes!

Phasemonger

thanks everyone, learning bit by bit, I'll check out the suggestions.

Steve at VAS said nay on the Dynavector Karat

"It's best not to take a chance on the DV karat cartridges. More often then than not, there is more damage than what you expect".

specs of that Denon 301 seem right in my range

Full specs:
Format: moving coil type
Output voltage: 0.3mV (1kHz 5cm / s in the horizontal direction)
Playback frequency range: 20Hz ~ 60kHz (the graph in the Gramophone review on vinylengine showed it to be dead flat to within about ±1dB up to 45kHz, the maximum frequency they tested it to)
40Ω: output impedance
Matched load: 100Ω or more (transformer 40Ω)
Channel separation: 28dB or more (1kHz)
Channel balance: 1dB or less (1kHz)
Static compliance: 35 × 10 (to the power of) -6cm/dyne
Dynamic compliance: 13 × 10-6cm/dyne (100Hz record measurement)
Needle tip: 0.14 × 0.07 mm square solid diamond special ellipse needle
Proper stylus force: 1.4g ± 0.2g

good first step into MC?

At your budget the Denon DL-301 MKII is a good value. 

It might help if you gave a little more information about your system.  If it's not that resolving, you might not notice a big difference between the carts you have, if it's highly resolving, it might point out some of the shortcomings of the DL-301 MKII.

You should notice more detail and a smoother presentation and probably improved bass with the Denon compared to the Shure.  I have no experience with the AT440ml.

If you really want to get into MC, I'd suggest saving up and get a Hana SL, it's noticeably better than the Denon, but the Denon is a nice way to dip your feet in the water.

I was reading about that Hana, made me want to click 'add to cart', but not that much money 'yet'. not until I hear some magic beyond my beloved Shure/Jico SAS

I like the Denon DL-301II more as I read users comments all over the web, and it fits my desired output at .4mv and light tracking force range 1.2-1.6g

new via ebay, $300.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274398854460