Inexpensive MM Cartridge

My bet would be a Goldring GL2100 and if you can stretch your budget a GL3100 or a Nagaoka MP200. Grados are fine but there is a chance to produce light hum on a vintage TT. AT95ATV is fine too with plenty of punch.
G

Stylus shape is the important criteria for good/better/best groove contact/fidelity, good info here

https://sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information

Advanced shape: ML Microline; LC Line Contact; Shibata; SAS all in that advanced category. They cost more, but last longer, so calculate the cost per hour for a sense of cost over time.

A bit over budget at $329. very good channel separation and channel balance, both help with better imaging,

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm740ml

in budget, $249. (same specs, except 740’s innards better?)

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml

or: Less costly now, $200.perhaps sell the TT soon, move up, or, this for MM, try Moving Coil sooner

Audio-Technica makes this cartridge body, and it offers 6 interchangeable/replaceable/upgradeable stylus,

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/line-series/at-vm95-series

It’s Shibata version is only $200.

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-vm95sh

However: the 95 line channel separation and channel balance are not great, I bet it sounds great, but the 540 and 740 will definitely produce a tighter center balance, refining locations, and the wider channel separation improves imaging as well
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consider signal strength, higher lets you keep your preamp/amp volume controls lower, less power needed, less noisy perhaps, nearly always a good thing.

consider tracking force, around 2.0 g my preference, some cartridges can track lower 1.0; 1.25; 1.50 etc, but I wouldn't make that a primary choice, just be aware. 

I don't think you need a $300 cartridge for one of the cheapest old Pioneer belt drive turntable. For $300 you could actually buy a whole new direct drive turntable with better tonearm. 

If you need just a cartridge for that old Pioneer look for Audio-Technica MM cartridges under $150  

@chakster I made a small typo - I meant a Pioneer PL-512. Nothing special, but still rated as a very good TT. I get the sense that it is on par with modern entry level TT’s. Does anyone think differently? I think replacing the TT and cartridge would cost between $300-$600, most likely used. Worth considering???

@yogiboy and @roberjerman, I had a Grado Black mounted on it and was not too impressed. I noted a hollow sound with poor resolution. No hum at all though. Is there notable improvement up the line?

@petg60 how about a Goldring 1042? Elliot, I will check out the AT offerings.

Other recommendations or votes? Thanks, Peter

@peter_s 

@petg60 how about a Goldring 1042?

Just bought a Goldring 1042 as a backup to my Soundsmith Zephyr. I’m very impressed. Highly recommended. Beats my old Grado Red with 8mz stylus by a long mile.