Cartridge for VPI Classic 3 SE

Budget up to $2K.  I listen to Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock.  I have the MacIntosh C-48 which has a MM and MC phono stage.

I suggest you look at the Audiogon thread on the Audio Technica Art-9.

Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, slightly over your budget, but you may be able to find a dealer who'll sell one for $2K.

Ortofon 2M Black or any of the Cadenas.  Soundsmith Zephyr. 

Let me suggest to you the original Shelter 901 not the Shelter 901 II or III. There is a guy on eBay, 2 juki, that has them from time to time for 1,200.00, I have bought 2 from him over the last 5 years and he can be trusted. These are very special carts and some feel that they are as good as it gets and when they wear out the Soundsmith ruby cantilevered rebuild at 250.00 really is sweet.