Do I Have the Wrong Cartridge?


I recently got back into playing vinyl on my Linn Axis (fully serviced), but needed a new cart. Since 80% of my listening is on an ARC CD3 and not knowing how often I’ll use the TT, I set a budget of only $300 on a MM and went to my local HiFi shop. They recommended a Rega Elys II.

Now to my problem...I listen to classical music and it sounds awful with this cart; strings and brass are harsh and music sounds thin overall. All my LPs are top class, pressed in Germany and Holland.
To test my TT, I played some Rock albums and they all sounded excellent; great dynamics, wide soundstaging. Records played were a wide variety; Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Mahavishnu Orch, Kraftwerk.

So I ask you, can a middle of the road cartridge like this Rega only sound good on a particular style of music? I was told this Rega was a good all-around cart and BTW, it’s non-returnable.

Looking for any explanation and advice.
Many thanks.
128x128lowrider57
I have an Akito with a Sumiko Pearl (my local high end hifi store dude highly recommended this thing). The Pearl is astounding, but perhaps too inexpensive for some. Clean, accurate, tracks amazingly...cheap...too cheap...
Ortofon carts do not hum, that is nonsense. I have a Red and a Black and they are quiet. Knowledgeable HiFi salesman yeah, of course.
Stevecham, I'm saying the Grado Gold hums, I decided against the Ortofon based on it's tonal qualities; I'm looking for a warm sound (the opposite of the Ortofon and the Rega).

The Sumiko was recommended to me, but they are not a dealer for that brand.

Anybody w/ Grado experiences?
Sumiko Pearls are available online of course and I bet some places have a return policy, but I'm not sure about that. At $125 it isn't too risky a purchase, and based on what sound you seem to be seeking it may be a great fit. You never know...
Wolf, I appreciate your answer. Even the salesman recommended a Sumiko, even though he doesn't sell them.
But do to a vision problem, I can't see closeup to mount a cart myself, so I'm looking at B&M stores.

Question for you; do you have any experience with the Denon DL-110? (the DL-160 is discontinued). Also, the DL-110 has a compliance of 15, would that be a match for the Linn Basik LVX low mass tonearm?