Generally, and I emphasize that word, cartridges that use high profile stylus shapes, such a micro-line, micro-ridge, shibata and others, will have the physical interface to be able to extract the highest of frequencies from the groove. That said, composition of cantilever and coil/magnet structures all matter as to how that stylus interface is displaced to generate the electrical signal.
I have two Lyra Delos carts and enjoy them for the detail and depth of stage. I used to own a Helikon and it was also up there for detail. I also enjoy three high-profile stylus, less-expensive MM carts, AT 440 mla and mlb, and Ortofon Black, that are all great at detail retrieval. The ATs have since been discontinued and replaced by other models, but I can state, from personal experience, that the Black is currently available ~$750 and comes quite close to the detail retrieval of the Delos. The soundstage isn’t quite as deep and wide as the Lyra, however. I used to own a Koetsu Urushi Vermillion, but that cartridge didn’t have the detail retrieval and musicality of the Lyras. Sorry, Koetsu enthusiasts, I tried, I really did.
Also, though no longer currently available except as vintage (but worth consideration, especially from Witsolutions on eBay https://www.ebay.com/str/witsolutionsaudiocartridgesstyli) that I also enjoy are Stanton 880s, and Pickering XSV4000 MM cartridges that use hyper-elliptical profiles. They were designed to track the high frequency signal for decoding SQ discs of the 70s, but they sound wonderfully close to the MC Delos on standard stereo recordings. Frequency profiles of these are quite flat when the correct total capacitance is dialed in.
Others can chime in with cartridge experiences and preferences of their own. High profile styli are a VERY important part of the answer to your question and part of the discussion.
Steve
I have two Lyra Delos carts and enjoy them for the detail and depth of stage. I used to own a Helikon and it was also up there for detail. I also enjoy three high-profile stylus, less-expensive MM carts, AT 440 mla and mlb, and Ortofon Black, that are all great at detail retrieval. The ATs have since been discontinued and replaced by other models, but I can state, from personal experience, that the Black is currently available ~$750 and comes quite close to the detail retrieval of the Delos. The soundstage isn’t quite as deep and wide as the Lyra, however. I used to own a Koetsu Urushi Vermillion, but that cartridge didn’t have the detail retrieval and musicality of the Lyras. Sorry, Koetsu enthusiasts, I tried, I really did.
Also, though no longer currently available except as vintage (but worth consideration, especially from Witsolutions on eBay https://www.ebay.com/str/witsolutionsaudiocartridgesstyli) that I also enjoy are Stanton 880s, and Pickering XSV4000 MM cartridges that use hyper-elliptical profiles. They were designed to track the high frequency signal for decoding SQ discs of the 70s, but they sound wonderfully close to the MC Delos on standard stereo recordings. Frequency profiles of these are quite flat when the correct total capacitance is dialed in.
Others can chime in with cartridge experiences and preferences of their own. High profile styli are a VERY important part of the answer to your question and part of the discussion.
Steve