SME 20/3 or Oracle Delphi VI or Garrard 301

Peterayer and Inna....those 2 are high on my list. Especially like the Dyna option.
Diggory...Yes I am also thinking about the Jubilee or A-90.
But just to throw a spanner in the works......
How about a SoundSmith Strain Gauge?
And here's the reason.
I live on a beach and it is very corrosive around here. My MC's don't fair too well with the salt as it corrodes the wires. I have gone through 4 carts in 10 years through failures due to corrosion or rubber failure...never a worn stylus or collapsed cantilever.
MM's fair way better.
But in chatting with Peter Ledermann of SS he explained that he could make the SG almost corrosion proof.
Add to that the fact that it is a user replaceable stylus and it starts looking attractive to me.
All the reviews are more than favorable....actually they are downright raves.
So....?

The Lyra Kleos is on the list too.

Mauidj, congrats on making your choice and enjoy! as long as you are listening to music that's really all that matters.

Not many here are familiar with the Strain Gauge, even fewer who use it with SME if at all. I certainly have no idea. Cartridge shopping is tough especially at this level.

So true.
Nearly every 20/12 user I have encountered through the forums seem to prefer the XV-1s.
We will see.......