JohnnyB .. recommend an upgraded cartridge for my turntable.

[pirateflynn]

Give me a couple of pointers while I save for some new speakers.

[JohnnyB]

You got the Goldring GR1.2 turntable, correct?

Cartridges that should work well include:

• Audio Technica AT150MLX is widely considered the best cartridge under $1K, and it's way under $1K.The Absolute Sound's Cartridge of the Year for 2011. I have been using mine for over 4 years and have never had the urge to upgrade. In fact, I've done several downstream upgrades since getting it and they've always revealed further capabilities, rather than limitations, of the cartridge.
  
• Goldring G1012GX . KABUSA.com has the best Goldring cart prices I've ever seen. Anywhere else this cart is $350-390.
  
• Ortofon 2M Blue or Bronze. Don't be tempted by the 2M Red; spend the extra $100 for the Blue at least
  
• Nagoaka MP-150 or MP-200
  
• Grado Prestige Silver or Gold. However, on some turntables Grados interact with the drive mechanism and develop hum as the tonearm gets closer to the spindle. Check with a local Grado dealer who could tell you if these Grados would react this way with your turntable.
  

All these cartridges should be a good match in weight, compliance, and tracking force for your tonearm, and all track significantly better and give you more of the music than the cart that came with your turntable. Did you know that the current version of the tonearm that came on your turntable goes for $350? It's a nice tonearm and has lots of potential.