AT440mla, ortofon 2m red, or JICO SAS tip for mx97

When I was looking around in the same price range, I looked at both the AT440mla and the 2M Red. Ultimately I went with the 2M Red, somewhat against my better judgement, because I'd heard the AT440mla more. However, I've loved the 2M Red. It has been a wonderful cartridge. At this point (just under 2 years) I would immediately replace it if it were damaged.

Its versatile, resolute, smooth, gets better with break-in, and seems to have a long life, but then again, the same is said for the AT440mla.

I think it's the objective of that price range to be a jack of all trades, and not super specific and theres a lot of overlap in the character of the different options. Makes the options not CLEARLY different at all.

That price on the AT440mla seems unbeatable though. If I had found one for $99 at the time, I would have bought it with out question.

Well I made my choice... Haven't received it yet though... But for all interested: Here is a link to the AT440mla that I didn't buy and it is a steal at 99.88

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009MK3A/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d4_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=11A3JS4WHFHSJBRW7J3V&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

SAS tip shipped 12/10/2010 I'm so excited I'm about to wet myself.... :D

Ok well I received it today... So here we go... Setup was not as fiddly as anticipated. There are some things of note however. It is like others have stated... A little shaky until break in.. Or at least I assume... I have compensated with the anti skate and a little tracking force (hopefully will speed up cantilever break in) Stylus overhang is radically different though; had to scoot the cartridge way up; but no big deal I got new headshell wires anyway. Even without being broke in; OMG!!! It is actually quieter than the stock stylus. I will posst more after break in.. but will have no trouble putting 50 hours on this quickly

Thanks
Ben

About 8 hours in and i will tell you... I can't stop listening. The cantilever looks like a fine thread compared to the original. And the sound... omg the sound... FULL bodied bass, crystalline highs, warmth exploding. It is super quiet too. I thought the shure stylus was for sure more forgiving... WRONG!!! I may never stop listening... I gave up watching TV tonight for it.