New Cart? Best all around performer...MM or HO

I have no direct experience, but based on reviews and comparisons to what I *do* know, I nominate the Sumiko Blackbird. Actually, the BPS EVO III would probably do the trick unless you want another nth of detail.

I have the entry-point for an HOMC, the Denon DL-160, and it's excellent and very involving in all the music types you mentioned. I'm a big fan of jazz and classical, but that cart draws me in effortlessly in acoustic music such as Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, CSNY, and Emmylou Harris.

Those who've heard or owned the both the Denon and the Sumiko HOMCs (e.g., Ferrari) report similar sonic characteristics but with more detail coming from the more expensive Sumikos.

Here are excerpts from a Blackbird review from the Audiophile Voice.

Although I curently use a ZYX R100, it replaced a Grado Sonata, which does midrange very well and HF/LF adequately for a MM. My friend uses a CA Maestro and has nothing but great things to say about it, especially comparing it to MC's he's had in the past. Fremer also said some very positive things about the CA in Stereophile.

The grado sonata is listed as 1.5 and the Era Gold says it will take to a 2.5, so I worry it would be too low output.

It sounds like you want a Benz cartridge. Very musical with a comforting warmth...