I have the Fluance RT85, and after comparing with other sub-$1,000 tables, found it to be feature rich and a great value. Regarding cartridges, I sold the Ortofon 2M Blue that came with it (quick sale) and replaced it with an Audio-Technica VM750SH cartridge ... costing nearly as much as the TT itself. and have it paired with an Audio Horizons tube phono stage. I've been very pleased with this set-up. Also I've read some good things about the Nagaoka MP-200 ... slightly more expensive and it comes already mounted on removable head shell. Purchase from Amazon & return if not to your liking.