Still looking for a new Moving Coil Cartridge

Hello, You were asking about surface noise or to have a cartridge that produces very little. The issue is that is usually caused by the record or more likely a poor cartridge setup. SRA/VTA (not the same thing) can be very forgiving. This is why there are tonearms with VTA towers to adjust on the fly. Also, anti- skate isn’t always exact unless you have the right tools to set it up. Azimuth is only setup electronically. Yes you can make sure you cartridge or headshell is level but the problem is that more times than not it is setup wrong. A Fozgometer 2 cost along with the AP record is $450. So what’s left? The most important thing which is zenith or your cartridge being moved left or right in the headshell. You should not just eyeball the cantilever on a lined mirror. The stylus can be off by upto 5 degrees from the manufacture. The reason why I am bringing this up is to tell you to skip a Shibata Stylus. It is very difficult to get it setup right. The Hana SL, Dynavecktor 10x5 mk 2 and a few others have this stylus. I would try to find a Fine Line or  Geiger (Ortofon) stylus that mimics a cutter. 
I would go with the Ortofon 2m Bronze. It has a fine line stylus. ( much easier to set up over Shibata) you get silver over copper instead of just copper in the 2m blue or 2m red. Plus, the bronze have a touch of warmth which is great for rock/ pop. Plus, When someone destroys the cantilever you can just replace the stylus. Moving Magnet will work better for you for now. I truly believe this is right for you and you will save some money to put towards something else. I hope this helps. 

If surface noise is the issue, clean the records rather than buy a new cartridge!

My preference in that price range would be an AT OC9XML.  It's very detailed, neutral and has very good dynamics and slam.  I have had a lot of experience with AT cartridges.  PROPERLY SET UP, the cartridge is quite good.  

Hana ML. Above your target price, but worth the leap!

noromance

when you say rebuilt Decca Maroon, does that mean an upgraded Stylus from the standard Spherical?

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Decca Maroon from Factory:

" $950*

The London (Decca) Maroon cartridge is the same as the Super Gold, and the Gold, except for its SHPERICAL stylus tip. This results in playback that is slightly less detailed than the more costly London (Decca)s. But this cartridge is a favorite of collectors of costly LPs because the spherical stylus profile is the safest possible configuration that has the least potential to damage the grooves, in case of improper setup, or accidental maladjustment. The more modest price can allow it to fit logically into many budget systems."

That's listening to the 'safest'.

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Proper alignment of advanced Stylus Shapes (i.e. Line Contact as all the high end Decca's use) IS very important, but when done right the result is superior as Decca themselves state.