moving coil vs. moving magnet question

I didn't want to go much beyond the $300 mark, as I'm buying some other new equipment as well. I figured some of my old equipment has been around here for quite awhile, and a change is always fun.

The info in this thread is great, especially that from sdcampbell. I recently posted a question with regard to the MM stage in the McIntosh MA6900. (probably on the wrong forum) I have recently purchased the mac and was wondering whether it would better to buy a new mm cartrige or use some kind of step up device so that I can use my existing Audio Technica OC-9. I am currently working abroad and do not have the turntable with me at the moment (Aplhason Sonata with HR100 arm) I am reliably informed that the phono stage in the mac is pretty good quality, would using a step up device with an MC impede the performance of the macs MM phono stage ? If you guys think it would better to use an MM what do you advise ? One guy has said that the clearaudio vituoso is a good bet also that the Ortofon OM-30 is a good cartridge.

For those who want to pursue the topic of MC vs. MM cartridges a bit further, I suggest you check the Audiogon archives. There have been a number of threads on this topic over the past 2 years, and the various threads should answer any questions you may have.