Reviving my Technics SL-1600 - need a cartridge recommendation

[Calypso]

Considering bringing back my long lost Technics SL-1600 (Direct Drive) and would really appreciate your recommendations for a new cartridge. My preamp supports both MM and MC cartridges. My price range is $200-$400 CDN. Thanks for the assist.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I'm not sure how the 1600 compares to the 1210GR2, but according to Robert Zohn at Value Electronics, Technics turntable tonearms were designed using the Ortofon's 2M Blue MM cartridge.

I know nothing about cartridges, and like many other things, I'm curious if they make that much of an audible difference after a certain point and what that point is.

 

[Calypso]

Very interesting tidbit on the tonearm aspect which I was completely unaware of till now. Coincidentally, my research was pointing me towards the Ortofon 2M Blue but I thought I would start a thread to see what the community members would recommend.