MC cartridge with "big rich and life-like"

My vote would be for the Benz Reference or Koetsu Rosewood. The Clear Audio Insider is one of my first choices as well, but is somewhat "faster and leaner" than the other two. Much of this depends on cable, turntable and arm choices, set up procedures and personal preference.

Should these cartridge choices fail to meet your expectations (tonally), there are four small signal tubes in each Wolcott Mono block that GREATLY effect body and tone.

I can suggest tubes based on you comments about the sound after you get the vinyl front end running. Especially if it fails to please.

Save bucks not buying GyroDeck but buying Gyro SE instead. If you're realy serious you can get Lyra Helikon SL and some 70dB MC phonostage(Heron VTPH?).

Much as I love my Helikon SL and Heron VTPH-MC, Markanetz, I have to side with Albertporter on this one. Benz and Koetsu are tops if one is looking for a rich, lush, romantic sound - my preference is the Koetsu.

If you want lush and romantic I third the Benz/Loetsu reco. But, if you want something that provides "life-like" sound, then I recommend the Shelters. I find they have better control in the bass, a more detailed top end and great "weight" in the mids. A giant killer if there ever was one.

Sounds like you need to track down a Denon DL-103D or 103S. They are the Biggest, Richest and most Lifelike MC cartridge I ever owned. Euphonic like an LS3/5a (which I also own).

Most modern MCs are a litle cold and clinical for me (I currently own a Linn which is a better compromise with my LS3/5as)