hi soundofmusic, depends on what kind of LPs you have....older ones or new ones...if your LPs are in good condition, the shure M97xe should be your absolute choice...but if your LPs are older and worn, I'd suggest you try the shure M44-7, its less expensive, delivers a higher output and has a coloured frequency response (the bass is tighter on the M44-7). DJs use these carts as they can play almost any kind of LP withouth skipping or skating...i have also used a vintage shure M75-6 (which is on my vintage Garrard SP25 MK1) with its original N75-6 stylus, it too, sounds outstanding...by the way, if you are on a budget, the M44-7 is less expensive.
From a phono stage perspective...i've all along used NAD...if you are on a budget, a decent NAD phono stage will suffice...you could even pick up an old NAD preamp or an integrated (and use its preamp stage) with good results...i use a NAD1020A which is the preamp section of the legendary NAD 3020A...I also have a NAD 106 preamp through which my Garrard connects...my primary turntable is a Technics SL3200
