Respectfully seek some arm+cartridge advice


First off, thanks to all the wonderful advice flowing thru this forum.I have finally upgraded from my Phase Linear/GAS amp system and joined the audiophiles of the millenium - including back into vinyl.

I purchased a vintage GyroDec with an SME 3010-R and also an upgraded Scout with the JMW-9. Both will need cartridges. I've read what I can (my wife thinks I'm ignoring her) on cartridge selection but don't have a strong sense of what works - which I suspect means most all combos "work", the question is "how well".

So as a neophyte, how do I select a cartridge I will love? I now know MC has a lower voltage output but I think I'm ok there. I know to select a cartridge compatable with the arm's weight - but how?

I figure the simplest thing is to(unnecessarily) spend a lot of money or just ask what everyone's using - which I welcome if they're on similar equipment.

I don't want to spend thousands and I am frugal - so "used" is fine. I need 2 different cartridges and I'd like to keep it under $1,000 yet be happy.

My equipment is decent including a Lexi MC-12 pre, Theta/Dreadnaught amp plus a couple of tube amps and a Mcintosh amp. I purchased a Musical Fidelity phono pre-. Speakers will be Hyperions for HT and I have B&Ws and Definitive Tech's. I have rarely "loved" digital music and I tend to Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons and Rock 'n Roll of the 70s but also classical and jazz.

What I'd love is a primer on what to do if one exists. Failing that, any recommendations welcome - I don't mind trying a number of options and reselling what's not right.

Cheers all,
Kevin
arbrnrngr
Raul-what do you think of the Koestu Rosewood Signature(SME IV)?Kevin you don't mind if I hijack your thread for a moment?
Dear Gregadd: It is not the best match. I try my Koetsu RSP with the IV and it works good but this is not the best tonearm for that Koetsu model. I have exellent performance on the Audiocraft AC 4400/3300, in the SAEC WE 8000 ST, Lustre GST 801 and in the Moerch DP6.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Hi Jphii: Finally you understand it. Now you have to try it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Gregadd: I'm not saying that the Koetsu RSP does not works well with the IV. I'm saying that there are other better tonearms choices.
If you don't have other than the IV, you can live with this combo it has good performance.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.