I went with the Shure M97xE, by the way. Just bought one on Amazon for around $52.
Congrats! Let us know how you like it. I think they're an outstanding value.
I currently have one on my "B" turntable rig which is so heavily modified I don't know what to call it anymore, but it's equivalent to I guess about a $1500 rig, mostly Merrill parts with an AR motor and sub-plinth, and an Audioquest tonearm.
The M97xE does a good job on it.
It just sounded really crummy. It lacked a lot of definition on records which I knew sounded great on other turntables.
Fair enough! Although...you have me wondering if your setup was optimized.
Make sure you keep your turntable on something massive and sturdy that isn't prone to vibration, make sure the platter is dead level, and be sure to align the cartridge properly.
Go
here and get yourself an alignment tool and bubble level if you don't already have them (forget the paper alignment grid that may or may not come with your cart).
Looks like they also have a VTF gauge for cheap now, but I haven't used it and can't vouch for it. I own and can recommend the Shure SFG-2 VTF gauge for about 20 bucks (though I now use a digital gauge which I got for only a little more). Forget the VTF markings on your tonearm weight, if it has them. I haven't run into any yet that were particularly accurate.
These are the basics to get your cart aligned and set up properly. A poorly set up $1500 cart will sound much worse than a properly set up $50 cart. Sorry if this isn't news to ya, just throwing it out there!