My go to cheapie cartridge is the most expensive cartridge I've ever owned....Grado Black. About $100. Best sounding cartridge I've ever had!
What's your go-to cheapie cartridge?
Let's say $300 or less. This would be your "y'know, this thing is pretty darn musical even though I've got higher end carts" cartridge. In my case I'd have to say it's my 103R. Not as transparent or fast as a lot of my better carts, but it sails smoothly through the grooves and just sounds good.