Opinions on a Grace F8c for a freshy

I think SS offers 3 levels of Grace replacement styli, but I don’t know if they fit the F8.  Even the middle model beat the unused stock stylus on the NIB F9 I bought some years back. These SS styli are a true gift. I use the top OCL on my F14 and it’s excellent.

OP. My poor memory can't recall the prices for the Grace units. I think it was in the $400 range. The MC was a medium output Micro Benz - I think it cost about $700 +/- then. Its more now if you can still find one.

chridabs, The other guys correctly point out that you need not buy the most expensive replacement stylus assembly for the Grace.  I did, however. Mine has the sapphire cantilever and their precision line contact stylus.  I think I paid $350. No doubt it is more expensive these days.  To minimize your cost, you could buy one of their lesser replacement assemblies.  The other factor in cost is how much you pay for the basic cartridge. F8s are generally cheaper than F9s, and so far as I know the difference is in the stylus assembly, not in the body.  So F8 + one of the SS stylus assemblies = total cost.

Consider advanced stylus shape (cost more/last much longer, thus not so costly over time) AND the cantilever material.

Not excited about f8, I helped another friend get a new Stylus for his Grace f9, it sounds great, both here and at his place. Stylus is replaceable via Soundsmith

https://www.sound-smith.com/parts/grace-f9-replacement-stylus

however, consider what you can get for the same or less money.

My 1st New MC was AT33PTG/II, it's a winner, with terrific channel separation and tight channel balance for amazing imaging. Microlinear on Boron.

Lately I got lucky with some AT160ML MM with Beryllium Cantilevers that I had VAS check for me after I bought them used. 

I chose a SUT with a variety of settings including PASS for MM, so I can keep using the MM Phono Stage in my Vintage Tube Preamp mx110z.

I ended up getting an F9 and will send to get upgraded once i settle my system in. 

Still need to get a stage and cables for the tone arm. Any suggestions??

Thank you all!