Another cartridge suggestion thread

You see, this is why I suggested that the admin add a permanent thread so we can ask for these suggestions. Ain't that a good idea? To whom should it be directed?

I have a square motored Well Tempered Classic table; EAR 834P phono (Singerman modded); and a Shelter 501 MkII cartridge.
I'd like to upgrade the cartridge, any suggestions on a compatible fit? (In the $2K area, however).

Upgrade cartridge or new phono stage?

I had a Winfeld MC with my prior speakers (still running the same Rogue Apollo tube amps), which didn't wholly gel with that cart -- it resulted in a lean/analytical midrange and a somewhat searing top end. The detail retrieval and bass quality were phenomenal, though. I moved on to various Koetsus (tried a few different kinds, including RSP), all of which were a MUCH better match in that system. I got a lush, gorgeous midrange (lifelike vocals and strings), perfect tonal balance, non-fatiguing highs, still very good detail retrieval, and very low noise floor (without insane setup precision requirements) -- but I have to say I somewhat miss the Winfeld's bass. I was using a Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 (un-modded) at that time, which was a very GOOD match with both Koetsu and Ortofon. I moved to a VAC Ren. III w/ built-in phono for a time, and can confirm that this phono is an EXCELLENT match with Koetsu Platinum carts (never tried it with Ortofon).

Given what you've described, a Koetsu Platinum will be a superb choice. In my experience though, the stone bodies give a little better bass response without sacrificing midrange or tone.

Today I have darker speakers, and have finally tried Ortofon again (Cadenza Bronze), and I'm glad I did -- they are wonderful carts! However, even still, that Bronze is warmer than a Winfeld and I STILL have to dial my Tannoy tweeter crossover down 1.5dB in order for it to not sound overly bright (Koetsus needing no such adjustment). And those vocals will never be as bold and present as with a Koetsu.

Pbnaudio:
Trust me, My set up is fine. I have all the gadgets and test records you can think of and nothing helped. I just recently purchased the Audio Desk just to be sure that the record were clean. The small pops and ticks are one of the problems I am trying to work on also. I know you can't stop all of them, but I have heard lots of systems that were a lot quieter in that respect.

I had the Kleos before the Winfeld and it didn't impress me very much.

Syntax:
I have not heard the ZYX carts on any system, so don't know much about them. That's something I will look into.

Mulveling:

I have had the same experience with the winfeld. I'm not unhappy with it. I just feel that there is something missing. I am not a trained critical listener and don't want to be, because I know how anal I would get. I try to go with what feels good.
The only Koetsu cart I have heard was in a $600,000 rig. It sounded great, but it should. I have been leaning towards the Koetsu's. Bass response is not a priority. The mid range is what I'm trying to improve on. The price of the stone bodies are a bit of a deterant.

Some food for thought

Thanks