When I was still DJ'ing, I used to transer a lot op LP's to CD. I did this with my Technics SL-1210MK2's.

I've used both Ortofon Concorde and Stanton Trackmaster II SK cartridges. Though the Stantons were rated as being of better quality, I prefered the Concordes because they just sounded better to me. The Stantons tended to also enhance the "ticks and cracks" in the LP, which I then had to filter out then manually. (very easy to do with Cooledit). The Concordes also did this (hey, it's vinyl after all), but to a much lesser degree.

Of course, this won't help you with your 78 RPM records, but I can't help you there ; I've never handled those myself.

Just remember that the most expensive cartridge is not necessarily the best choice.

Hope this helps.