Well; a very short exposure sounded very nice; smooth and detailed. Then several conversations with people I trust who like it and the general quality of all of the AN stuff is what my recommendation is based on. The IQ I believe is around 300$ but maybe we can get a more accurate price on here. Just so you know the IQ is loosely based on the Goldring cartridge except it has I believe better winding and a different stylus; like a modified Goldring. One of the reasons I looked at the AN originally is due to the fact that I lived with a Goldring for a couple years and liked it. Bass-heavy and won't track the high levell on the HFNRR tester but nice sound overall. With the improvements made to the stock unit it has to be a winner. Tough choices; all in the 250/300$ range. I go by my tonearm which is pretty massive and I think that is why the Denon works well in that arm. On that you would have to consult AN regarding their opinions on arm compatibility. I like the idea of equipment from the same manufacturer also. Like Wayne likes the Rega in his Rega/ makes sense to me.