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Cartridge for VPI TT with JMW 9 tonearm

After years of listening to digital (DSD/Flac, CDs/SACDs) and contemplating on buying a TT I finally bought a very well kept VPI Scout Jr with an upgraded JMW 9 tonearm (instead of the original gimballed tonearm). I would like to upgrade the cartridge and unlike many here who are looking for expensive cartridges, I have a limited budget. So unfortunately the search is not helping since I keep finding recommendations for >$1k carts.

My Phono premap is a Pro-Ject Phono Box DS that supports MM and MC. My amp is Naim, speakers Focal Sopra 1. I listen mostly to Jazz, Electronic, and some Rock. Prefer a full-body, semi warm sound with good bass.

After some internet search, I came-up with the following potential cart options in my price range (<$400) that seem to have been highly recommended, but I have no idea which one would actually be a good match for my TT/tonearm. Can you please let me know which would be the best choice for my setup? As always, I appreciate your comments and recommendations!

Grado Prestige Gold 3  (MI)
Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEN (MC)
Sumiko Blue Point #2  (MC)
Denon DL-103R (MC)
NAGAOKA MP-150 (MM)
rfarassat
tablejockey
3,987 posts
 
A popular $1K cart for the VPI is the Audio Technica ART9. You can find the 1st generation for under $1K
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html

There are plenty of threads on the ART 9.

Your phono stage is up to the task, but the ART9 or equivalent will sound even better with a phono stage higher up the food chain. Consider $2K+ in the future( find used for half).

I've been using a $400 Soundsmith Otello after crashing an ART9. It's performance is so good, I've been able to postpone buying another ART 9 or better. This because I have a phono stage capable of supporting $5K+ carts. My phonostage is long discontinued, so not worth mentioning. I do use tubes though.

Better performance with a lesser cart/better phono stage than the opposite.
rfarassat OP
17 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the great comments and info you provided. These lead me to potentially re-prioritize my purchase plans - it seems I should look at upgrading my Phono preamp first before the cartridge. I will look into that to see what options I have. 
johnto
1,040 posts
 
Usaudiomart has a few interesting cartridges a Hana eh and a Soundsmith Carmen with low hours.
I have always had luck on the gently used market. You can usually make a deal for under the asking price.
I'm currently using a Carmen 2 on a VPI Aries Scout with the JMW 9 with excellent results. I did have to add a headshell weight which was about $5 on eBay. I've also used a Sumiko Bluepoint Evo 3 with equally good results.

Good luck.
tablejockey
3,987 posts
 
I see that in all my babble I failed to include a comment directly to your lineup choices.

The OC9 series is quite good at their price point. I've  used the OC9 III. Be aware AT's can have a VERY active top end. The newer series appears to give more stylus options. If you go AT, choose the most your wallet will tolerate.
rfarassat OP
17 posts
 
tablejockey, thank you for the vote on OC9 III, would love to have that one, but outside my price range. Hopefully the OC9XEN is similar. 

Johnto, thanks for recommendations on Hana EH. I have added that to my list as well as the Goldring 2500 is one shows-up on the used market. Thanks.
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