Cartridge Recommendations

@mre28m5 It’s not because the SoundSmith cartridge is more expensive, it’s because the cartridge is MI with Sapphire cantilever and Selected Contact Line stylus.

You’re comparing this MI cartridge to the entry level Denon 103 MC desidned in the late ’60s with the cheapest ever Spherical stylus on alluminum cantilever. The Hanna is nothing special, but the Shibata stylus.

If you like what low output MI can do then you can discover some amazing MI like Grado Signature XTZ, or low impedance (low output) MM designed by Stanton/Pickering in the 70/80’s such as Stanton XLZ 980 or Pickering XLZ 4500s - they are both works only with MC phono stage or with headamp, but both cartridges are MM

I own a Soundsmith Zephyr Mk3.  What a great sounding Cartridge. I've been listening to a MC (very popular, $3695 retail), but I always had issues with noise.  So I picked up the Zephyr on sale ($899 from Elusive Disc), just to see what a MI, high output (2.4mV) would do.  I am so, so pleased.  Wonderfully quiet, beautiful tonality, and a very spacious soundstage, and this is with only 12 hours on it.  I think, for the money (and perhaps for even more) you won't do any better.  My highest recommendation.....Go for the Soundsmith!  You will not be disappointed.

Nice, another vote for MI over MC
This what has been said in MM thread years ago, worth to read again. 

There are many contenders, not only SoundSmith 

I don't think you can go wrong with Soundsmith. I find some other cartridges do somethings exceptionally well but lack something in some other area.The best way I can describe the soundsmiths I use they do nothing wrong, and  that's very important to me. Leave it on the table, wear it out, send it off, get a like new one. They always answer the phone willing to help, can't beat it.

Linn or Lyra.