First of all what a great site! Excelent source. The thing I'd add about buying via internet is try to buy locally for a pick-up. Most folks out there have no idea how to correctly prepair a TT for shipment!

What I've noticed is having a cartridge of the same era as the record helps. I'm using three cartridges (all MM) on my Dual 1229. One Shure from 1960, another Shure from 1975-76, and an Elac from approx. 1989. Although not ALWAYS true, for the most part matching era works quite well.

I'm using a db Pre-amp -> a newer NAD power amp -> vintage Thiel model 4's. The old Shure (1960) brings out sounds and images I've never heard from old fravorite LP's from my youth but in some cases it is worse. So, in conclusion, if you can afford a variity of cartridges, experiment with them.

I also am digitalizing old analog stuff into the M-Audio 24/96 and am making DV D-A discs. Usually there is plenty of room on a DVD so I'll store the recording in both 24 and 16 bit. I use a t.c.electronics Triple-C  3-band compressor as my AD and DA interface but seldom use the compressor. It is a cheap but great AD/DA!