i agree w/the psychic here - system synergy & personal taste are too important. that said, i tink the ortofon mc2f-fl is an exceptional performer. seems to be wery neutral, a great tracker, loads of detail.
if ya can't afford to audition, another option is to keep yer eyes peeled for a good deal on a lightly used mega-bucks cartridge that ya have heard, or have heard about, that seems to fit your system/tastes. even if it ain't the greatest, if ya can get one for 20 or 25 cents on the dollar, it will still likely out-perform anyting comparable at a new retail price. i picked up a completely overhauled lyra clavis this way, for basically the cost of the rebuild. it was done by symphonic line - klaus sold it to me. still haven't tried it yet, cuz i'm happy w/the mc2-fl...
if ya have to have new, check out member 2juki on audiogon - he sells good cheap cartridges from honk kong... i got my ortofon from the needle dr, but thay were having a special on 'em; dunno if it's still awailable.
doug s.
