vpi classic

you saying nothing about tonality or shifts in the character of the sound you seek

obvious answer is move up the benz micro line, gliders rubies and gull wing are just superb

but you just want to randomly try something different, here are two very highly regarded units that will work fine with the jmw metal arm


https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649650665-van-den-hul-frog/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649612573-ortofon-jubille-almost-new-top-of-their-line/

jjss49 
Thank you for your links ,I did see the Van den hull. my Benz is a med output ace . its 10 yrs old and I have the funds to upgrade a little so I was asking opinions. As for impressions or tonal improvements I would enjoy ? again across the board really, a more crisp low end with more soundstage in general. Highs I battle already in this room and have treated it quite a bit. That said the ace was what a 800 dollar cartridge?. My thoughts on a slightly used piece is, I just honestly get time anymore to sit and listen to  no more then maybe 5-10 albums max a week so burn in of a 100 hrs on some cartridges will take me forever and I can also get a great value here due to peoples constant changes and upgrades. I'm a middle of the road guy here so scoring a couple thousand dollar cartridge used that will function on my jmw arm( nice to me but I know is limited) is a good day . 
Thank you for your time and advice 
Ray 

I have the same VPI Classic. Been using the Audio Technica ART9 for many years. For $300 dollars less, you can still buy the original version.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html

$300 more, you get a threaded body and hair splitting differences. I suppose it depends on your own ears/system.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9XI.html

The ART9 was a flavor of the month for good reason.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pani-new-art-9-up-and-running?highlight=art%2B9

As mentioned the Kiseki Blue is also a great cart(I have one)if you can get it for the around the same cost, I’d chose it over the ART 9, but not at regular retail(over $2K) To my ears in my system, it offers a little more refinement over the ART9.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa56jg-kiseki-blue-n-s-brand-new-cartridges

@oleschool If you search, you can find some background on the Kiseki.  There are quite a few reviews. 

For point of comparison, I also have these cartridges (and a few others) - Van Den Hul MC Two Special, Hana SL, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, and Nagaoka MP-500.

The Kiseki sounds better than all of them by a fair measure - very neutral and detailed, tight deep bass, well controlled treble without any sibilance or added "sweetness", big soundstage and good separation of instruments.  Kron is a great seller and easy to deal with.  I don't remember how long it took to receive my shipment, but I think it was around a week.

@big_greg,

Thank you for your feedback. I am also shopping for a cart under $1K budget. I was ready to purchase the Hana S MC ($750) but then seller asked if I can stretch my budget to $1150, the Hana M would offer considerable uptick in performance.

I wonder how Hana M stacks up against Kiseki Blue?

@tablejockey - Thank you for providing the link. That’s a great savings over US retail.