Hi Five,

I have a SL1200 MK2 and it's just perfect, i don't think that gold, or MK5, ... are really much better.

I use 2 cartridge :
A Shure M44 which is perfect for scratching, a groovy sound, ...

and a Pro-ject K4 which is very good for an honest price: 80€
it plays perfectly my Beatles' Lps
Technichal Data:
Moving magnet cartridge (MM)
Frequency response 10Hz - 50kHz
Channel balance < 1,5dB
Channel separation > 30dB
Output voltage 4,5mV
Compliance 30µm/mN
Stylus shape elliptical
Load impedance 47kohms
Mounting system 0,5” (12,7mm)
Amplifier connection MM -input
Effective tonearm mass 10 - 18g
Tracking force range 15 - 20mN
Recommended force 18mN
Weight 6g