Sumiko Blue Point 2 cartridge has always worked well in my Rega Planar 2. Very good depth of field for the price. Easy to listen to for long periods without fatigue, very smooth.

Agreed about Sumiko.

The starter Soundsmith is very nice, as well.

I apologize for cheating on the budget, but Grado Reference Platinum at 350 bucks sounds like a different line from the lower line. It's a true sonic step up.

I promise to stay under 300 bucks for the rest...

The Clearaudio Aurum Classic at 275 bucks is a beautiful thing.

I think the Shelter 201 is in the euphonic family.

If you kicked your budget to 400, then you'd have some options in the Benz line, and the Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo III comes into play.

I'll second John's suggestion of the Sumiko Blue Point #2. Wonderful cartridge.

I've been happy also w/ Sumiko Blue Point #2 (and the original one before that).
Haven't directly compared the BP2 against its current competition.

If you are patient enough, try an AKG P8ES, either the regular one or the Supernova. You can find a NOS one usually for $100-150. Haven't heard all the MMs out there, but it sounds way better than my Clearaudio Virtuoso, which is like $800. With a good arm, it sounds a lot better than many pricy LOMCs...

Since I'm late getting back - if you can, just for comparison, check out the Blue Point Special in case it wows you compared to the other Sumiko.

Sorry for checking back too late.

If you go for the Blue Point Special and are installing it yourself be very, very careful. If you grip it by the sides while installing it you WILL break the wire leads (they are thinner than a human hair.) When working with it ONLY grip it by the top. Sumiko will not cover damage done to the wires during install. Better yet if you dealer offers free or even reasonable installation have them do it.

I've installed a couple of nude cartridges and I always literally held my breath while doing it.

Quote:
sumiko it is then...

thanks guys

Teddy, if you haven't bought a cart. yet, please consider this one, the AT 150MLX. I bought one when it was on sale for only $250 brand new in box. They have gone up to $349.00 but they do offer free shipping.

I use it on one of my Rega's and it sounds pretty darn nice. It tracks everything beautifully too.

http://www.jr.com/audio-technica/pe/AT_AT150MLX/

Perhaps the Grado Prestige Silver? $190 at Needle Doctor.

I love Benz Micro Cartridges, but the cheapest is $375 or so, I think.

I currently have the Benz Micro Ace, which is really nice, but it has gone up to nearly $700 now....