[jonnywolfet]

i have no idea what your turntable is or how it performs but i do have experience with a couple of carts.

the grado black is a great budget cart. it has a smooth warm sound signature with a very nice midrange and inoffensive treble.
i am using the grado blue as i type on my lp12 with great results.

The ortofon cart i would recommend looking at as a polar alternative would be the 2m range. The ortofon 2m red is also a superb cart for the money, and i would consider the total tonal opposite of teh grado black in the price bracket.
the 2m sounds lively, on the bright side of neutral with a well extended, detailed treble.
again, i have used the 2m blue on my lp12 with great results (funny how i have the blue for both carts eh?)

you cant go wrong with either, but go with the one that suits your tastes better. myself, i cant decide. i seem to switch between the grado and the ortofon every month or so.

p.s.
if you are a handy type the grado is great for modding. look for the thread with longhorn in the title a few pages down for a useful link.