help picking a cartridge

Yolu may think it a lateral or downward move, but I'll bet that if you pick up a new Shure V15VxMR for $200 (Jack's Music Factory cost incl. shipping) you'll be very pleasantly surprised. It replaced a $1200 Grado Reference/Reference in my system.

I'll second that motion, especially as the latest Shure "V" edition was designed with the Sme "V" in mind. Since yours is essentially the same design, then this should be a marriage made in heaven.

This is a third member of the Shure fraternity checking in. You can buy a ton of great records with the money you save, and still have a "no problem" vinyl musical experience. Just don't let anyone see your cartridge until they first comment how well it conveys the music.