I bought a Clearaudio Arum Beta to go with my P3 a few months back - love it for the $.

That Clearaudio is mui bueno for the dinero.

I've heard a friend's Blue Point Special on lots of rock and roll, and it is very nice, too.

You would seem to have an embarrassment of riches to choose from.

The Grado, and at a reduced price, is killer, as well.

I would say, check the used markets online and see if you can figure out what a relatively fresh Grado would go for. You may be able to buy the Grado and if it is not just what you want, you could flip it.

Keep us posted as you listen!

I have the PH-1 and the Grado Sonata (low output version) and it's a fantastic combo. I also listen to a wide spectrum from jazz to punk, classical to classic rock- so I think you're safe to assume it could work for your needs. I think I might recommend the high output version of the Sonata though, as some recordings really require a lot of power to get the dynamics up there properly with the low output cartridge.

You may want to take a look at the Italian Bluenote Boboli MK II. Several places sell it online. A lot of people think it's the best cartridge you can get for under $1000. It's a big cartridge and weighs 12 gms, so your tonearm has to have the proper VTA for it. Try it at 1.6 grams tracking force and I find that it's deep bass, accurate mid range and fantastic imaging simply beats the competition, particularly the Micro Benz ACE.

Check out http://www.sound-smith.com
Peter Ledermann seems to have the magic touch for non-moving coil cartridges. He had great sound at the 2008 THE
Show.

I've been thinking about this question as well - I often read cartridge reviews where the reviewer says the cart in question isn't a "rock cartridge," but I don't know if I've ever read one that actually calls a cartridge a "rock cartridge."

I have a Grado Green on my Pro-Ject Debut II (running through an NAD PP-1 preamp into a Rotel RA-8404 integrated amp) and I've been considering stepping up to something better, but I don't know what. I listen to everything from heavy metal to punk to more minimalist experimental music (Richard Youngs, etc.) and the Grado handles them all admirably, although it really shines on my folk records where there's generally only voice and minimal accompaniment (Meg Baird's Dear Companions sounds unreal). However, the Grado also seems to be giving me some irritating sibilance.

Once again, I absolutely love the Grado for vocals, but I can't help but wonder if there's something out there at a decent price that's going to give me a more complete package, as it were. If I end up buying a low-output MC I want to do it right (and I don't have the money for that) so right now I'm looking at MMs and high-ouput MCs. Some cartridges I've considered: Grado Gold, Sumiko Blue Point (both the No. 2 and the Special), Shelter 201. I don't know much about Ortofon other than the one that came with my Pro-ject - it was nice enough but very undistinguished.

Any thoughts?

Don't look for a "rock" cartridge. You're on the right track, looking at some good cartridges that are dynamic and accurate. Grado and Sumiko tend to be good values. My Sumiko Blacbird does great from Pink Floyd to string quartet. Rock is actually very easy on the cartridge.

Dave

i am using a benz micro silver high output. they run around $350 new and benz lets your trade up. it provides a lot of detail. the 2.5mv output is ok through the phono card in my integrated, but i am thinking about getting a dedicated phono stage for a little more output. the 5mv moving mag cart on my last table gave a bit more output, but didn't sound anywhere near as satisfying. i will honestly say though that i am not sure about the bass on this one. for example, i get very steady strong bass on cds, but what i get on the table seems to be very greatly dependent on the record. either some records just don't have great bass or it has been compressed, or the cart doesn't get it as well. the dedicated phono stage may help with this too. if i try it and it does, i'll let you know.
happy hunting.

tom

I am surprised to see indicate my cartridge:the Boboli.Not known in Italy.

But I say this.Pay more attention into the turntable before to upgrade the pickup.

Many persons like use high level pickup with economical turtable (I mean Rega f.e.) and you get more with better turntable with low cost cartridge like f.e. the Goldring Elektra put into a 1500 euro turntable.

Don't use 500 euro pickup in 500-1000 euro turntable.You should go before to a 1500 turntable with 50 euro pickup