My first "real" cartridge was a dynavector 10x5 and it can be had for $500. I was very pleased by it for a long time. My previous cart was a $35 junko that came with the regs rp1 table. I ran the dynavector for a year or two, and then I stepped it up to a Lyra Delos. Anyway, I can recommend the Dynavector. It's a solid piece of gear.
Vinyl noob needs help with cartridge
I wanted to,dip into vinyl so I swung a deal on a super scoutmaster signature. I am now trying to decide on a cart. I am a vinyl newbie and have been trying to bone up on everything. I was originally going to get an ortofon 2m black, but it's more than I really want to spend. I considered the 2m bronze, the sound smith otello (or the modded version from mapleshade), and the zu audio modded denon103. Anyone have an opinion on those choices? Is the 2m black worth the extra? Any others closer to 500.00 that are of honorable mention?