In short, anyone heard both SAE 1000E and Denon DL-301, or preferably even owned both and which did you like better and why? What about Goldring Eroica LX where does it fit in?
I really don't need a new cart but I kinda want one... so I figure my options are either to sell hifi stuff and surplus cartridges and go all in for something like Quintet Black or DV20X2-L or similar... or get something for ~ £300 or so which would hopefully be perhaps something between the Ortofon MC10 Supreme I have and love, and the smoothness and refinement of AT15Sa top-end vintage MM. The Supreme series doesn't seem all that popular, but I believe Rondos were based on the same generator more or less - at least the sound signature of the Red compared to MC10 Supreme seems very similar at least tonally.
I can't have it all for that price (or maybe for any price) but what I would be looking at is decent dynamics and weight with a musical and smooth presentation. I'm using vintage Philips 12" fullranges in open baffles (with some helper tweeters), they work nice with Pye Mozart EL34 amp, but upper midrange shoutiness is not something I would want from a cartridge - neutral is fine and preferable, but if erring from neutral, rather to the side of warm than cool/shouty. I think DL-301mk2 or SAE 1000E might fit that and give something different to the Ortofon.
Then there's retipping the MC10 Supreme, which if I'm lucky would keep all the good (awesome dynamics and weighty but not overblown bass, spot on midrange tonality, good 3D soundstage) and add a touch of refiniment and smoothness on the top-end - basically take it to QB level or higher for 3rd of the price... but it's always an unknown going for different cantilever and diamond...
Or I could just come to my senses and enjoy what I have! But curiosity...
Anyway all opinions especially on the carts mentioned in the title would be very much appreciated.