MM, MC, or MI cartridge

What I need now is to get back to the MUSIC!

OP

It is not as simple as sonic thrills versus just ok sound. This is where quality matters. For instance, my Koetsu Rosewood Signature gives you both. That is why one spends more. Or you can get a cartridge at the price level of mine and get a lot more details than you are getting.

Also, there are levels of other nuances to sound characteristics… which is why there are $20K cartridges… balancing all sorts of attributes. I recommend you give a try to a Koetsu of greater value than the cartridge you purchased and you will get both.

i have every confidence that the Koetsu Rosewood Signature would work.

 Just can’t spend that much right now.

OP, sure… understood. But you can move through the different possible solutions that you can afford to something that is more toward your tastes.

Don't Forget that Stylus design plays a huge role in sound quality as well.