MM or MI Cartridge?

I have a Viv 9" as well, with the carbon fiber tube. The Royal N hasn't spent that much time on it, I'll have to give it another chance.

My favorite MM/MI's are all from the golden age of analog. The Denon 109D (with Jico stylus) is an exceptional all-around performer with a lot of punch. Technics 207C w/Jico SAS, Signet TK-7lca and Shelter 201 w/Jico SAS are also winners.

@panzrwagn , you appear to suggest that nothing can touch a MC. I beg to differ.

For years I used a higher end Koetsu, a great MC by any standards. Last month I replaced it with a top Grado, and the difference was immediately obvious. The Grado has more dynamics, more clarity, and more sweetness. Smoothness. Not to mention, notably better tracking. That's on an air bearing TT, air bearing tonearm, and ESL's.

I have a Grado reference in one of  my vintage systems. I have it on a AR XA with a Mayware tonearm that I refurbished. It is an outstanding cartridge once you get it dialed with beautiful vocals and surprising bass. 

Dinov is right.  Since the output is somewhere in between an MC and a MM, you will have to experiment with your phono preamp setting.  Mine only had 2 settings, MM and MC.  One sounded fat, the other was weak.

If you are unwilling or unable to seek out a Decca Super Gold, +1 Nagaoka MP500. Also look at the Audio-Technica AT150ANV if you want detail and open-window clarity. I recall Fremer giving it very high marks. The Grado and Goldring (Audionote) are pretty warm sounding by some accounts.