Best value in a HO movig magnet $150-$200

There is nothing out there under $200.00 that would top the 2M Red, maybe the Pearl but it's more suited for Jazz/Classical.

Now, if you want to go over $200.00 then the Nagaoka ML-150 would be the way to go under $300.00

Many other choices over $300.00 to mention.

AT carts may sound bright on Rega TTs so be cautious when paring with phono pre.

I run multiple Rega tables and there are 3 truly outstanding values:

Nagaoka MP110. Warm, good tone, good tracking very musical.

Sumiko Pearl offers a fuller presentation and more dynamics but gives up some fine detail.

The 2M Red is tighter, more detailed and has better bass than the other two. It gives up a bit of tracking and can sound a bit hard but this cartridge is ideal for the Rega. Look at the 2M brochure and it is shown on a Rega arm. Mounting is a snap as the front of the cartridge almost perfectly lines up with the front of the Rega arm.

I am currently listening to the 2M Blue on my Technics turntable. The Blue is a detail retrieval champ. The only other cartridge at the price that brings out that much detail is the AT440Mla. However I find the AT slightly thin up top and softer in the dynamics. Not as ideal on the Rega but it will work.

Stay away from Grado. Great on a Technics 1200 but bad choice for the Rega due to hum issues.

I would second the Shure recommendation...Regas are known for lively, fast presentations... the warmth, musicality, and relaxed nature of Shure is addictive...

I should have responded sooner, but holidays partying, lady friends, late nights.....I am making up for lost time wasted in graduate school

Nevertheless, I bought a AudioTechica AT120 cartridge for $119.00. It took 3 hours to install on in Rega P3-24 freakin headshell which is fitted with slotless screw holes, and makes almost impossible to tighten down the screws and align the cartridge I used a Geodisc to set up the overhang, VTR. etc. Well it was worth the effort, though a few more minor alignments may be called for.

Actually, I was stunned by how clean, undistorted, and generally quiet the AT cartridge is. Its major strengths are the midrange and mid highs (you can hear the cutoff beyond that range, that is, the upper highs were just not there. I was also surprised at the quality and depth of the bass response

However..... As the old English saying goes, "....Me thinks I got hoisted on my own petard"..... That is, I began to wonder what might be up the line still at $200 or a few bucks less. I am convinced I have found the roots of "audio nervosa", that is, to wonder what a few extra bucks may yield in better sound. I realize many members have gotten almost orgasmic over the sound of the Ortofon 2M RED at $99.00 and want to crown, "Component of the Century"

Judas Priest, even Bob Reina of Stereophile is reviewing the Ortofon 2M Red this month, even though his audio beat is generally speakers.

But like the interconnect and speaker cable merry go round of trial and error, a similar bug may have captured my attention. Someone mentioned the Nagaoka MP150 as superior to the Ortofon, Sumiko, and possibly AT120.

Fortunately, there is no urgency in any of this rangling which in the end actually makes it fun. However, the other possibility would be to sell the Rega with its (now) spanking new AT120 spike, and buy Music Hall's new table called the "Ikura" that comes set-up with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge for $1195. Nah, Roy Hall is a jerk, so why make him richer (e.g. check out his response letter to Bob Reina's super positive review in Stereophile in Dec. 2014)

Nevertheless, thanks to all members who responded with comments and advice and helped me suit up for yet another quest in audiophilia