Rega RP8 cartridge?

If it being only around $500 doesn't bother you, the Nagoka
MP-500 is superb on acoustic music,from rock I can't comment.

I own a very similar TT and I use the Lyra Delos ($1650.00) with excellent results.

The Delos has a unique pre-angled damping system. The pre-angled dampers work together with the angle of the body structure so that, when tracking force is applied, the signal coils are optimally aligned with the magnet circuit.

Do some research:

"The Delos combines ultra-fast detailed and pristine transients with sufficient midband richness to avoid sounding overly analytical".

"It aims for tonal neutrality, particularly in the midrange and free of congestion".

"The cartridge’s dynamic expression, particularly on the microdynamic level, was beyond what is usually attained at this price point as was its ability to produce image and stage three-dimensionality".

For me...... it just sounds "right" and fatigue free in my set-up:

Rega RP3 (only the plinth w/double brace tech, 24V motor, bearing well, everything else is gone)
Rega RB808
Rega TT-PSU
Groovetracer package - zirconia bearing, reference sub-platter, sapphire thrust plate, delrin platter, 130 grams counterweight
Dayton Audio adjustable brass cone footers
Edwards Audio TT-LB little belter

This is, hands down, the best cart I have ever owned.
Happy listening!

I used to have a Delos and I like the EMT TSD15 better, although you'd have to research the arm for compatibility. I use it on the WT Simplex and I find it just a bit more like people playing instruments than the Delos, which I also loved.

Kiko...you've been reading too many ads

I've owned the Clearaudio Maestro and Virtuoso, the Ortofon 2M Black, the Soundsmith Zephyr, and most recently the Lyra Delos and Kleos. More detailed reactions are posted here and there in various Forum posts.

The primary reason for me jumping around with the Clearaudio and Ortofon cartridges is because of equipment compatibility issues. I just couldn't get those carts to settle down when mounted on my VPI JMW uni-pivit arm.

The Zephyr is an ok cartdige at its price point and works very well with my VPI arm. I'm holding on to my Zephyr as a backup cartridge.

But the Lyra cartdiges are a whole "nuther" ball game. I tried the Delos and fell in love with it. It mated very well with my VPI arm and it really produced beatiful music. I loved it so much that I jumped to the Kleos. As good as the Delos is, ... and it's very good, the Kleos is even better.

The reason for the long story is to echo Kiko's and DHcod's favorable comments. I think both Lyra cartrdiges are very strong performers at their price points.

Of course I end with the usual caveats. I am reporting on my exeriences and sharing my subjective opinions. Also, one should be mindful that the output voltages of the Lyra cartridges are low'ish: .5 mV in the case of the Kleos; a little higher on the Delos. Also both Lyra are low/medium compliance rated. Tonearm compatibility is important.