Cart Me Baby!

[ChrisAZ]

So if you followed my other thread, you know that I have ordered a Clearaudio Ovation turntable with a Universal arm. This will be paired with my Esoteric E-03 phono preamp and for the time being my Lyra Delos cartridge. While I quite like the Delos it is somewhat finicky and I’m considering alternatives in the $2 - $4G range. With so many choices and so little ability to try them out first, the question is which one? My musical tastes are eclectic, and I do listen to blues, jazz, rock and classical, but as I get older my listening trends towards acoustic instruments and voice (no electronica or hip hop for me). Think Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, or EmmyLou Harris and Steve Earle, vs. Metallica. So what say you - what would be on the top of your list? Why?