I've been using a Denon DL103 for around a year now and I listen quite a lot so I figure I'm getting close to time I need to be thinking about replacement. I'm mostly happy with the Denon but it can be a bit bloated on certain records and it's not the most compatible with my current arm and table, a Pro-Ject RPM-4. I use an extra heavy counterweight and a weight where I mount the cart to raise the mass so it works out pretty well, but I am willing to entertain that something else could be a better fit and can easily get rid of those if necessary.

I have run through a few different tables and several low-ish priced MM carts over the years (Grados, Shure, Ortofons, AT carts around the hundred dollar range) before moving to Denon carts. I first tried a DL160 and then the DL103. To me, the MC carts were a big improvement so I'm very much inclined to stick with MCs, although it could just be a Denon thing since they are the only MCs I've tried. I think the 160 had better detail than the 103, but I stuck with the 103 and put the 160 on a spare table because I've been using a low-ish gain Bellari pre and thought I got better dynamics with the 103 through a Denon step up than with the 160 alone. I placed an order with Comet Supply for a Denon 301 a few months, hoping that would give me the best of both worlds, but I am about to give up on them ever delivering and at full retail those are out of my price range.

So, any suggestions on other things to try under $200? I'd like to stick with either a high output MC or one that would be very compatible with the Denon AU300LC step up that I already have. I've considered retipping, but the long wait turns me off. I don't entirely rule it out, but I'm heavily leaning away from it. I'm open to suggestions on anything under $200?