Your Kandid is a very good example of a cartridge that is at the forefront of cartridge technology. The Kandid is sourced from Lyra and employs their new angle technology. As such, it is more advanced than just about any cartridge on the market that does NOT utilize this tech, IMHO. The fact that you were able to hear the difference is telling and does not surprise me. Many far more expensive cartridges are on the market with motors that are essentially designed forty or more years ago! Same innards as far cheaper models, but in most cases with simply different body materials. The fact that the motor is ancient in design and that the designer is relying on a body change is where the problem begins, IME. While it is true that body designs do have some ability to change the sound, IME utilizing the same old motor and charging a ton more $$ for it is not that impressive. Add to that fact some of these folks are using a cheap old aluminum cantilever as well...and I believe that one really only needs to use one’s ears and have an open mind to determine where the values truly lie. IMHO.
At what price point do I run into diminishing returns on an MC Cartridge?
I need to replace my MC cartridge. I've had limited experience with them but I have certainly noticed a dramatic difference in performance. My first 3 were priced at $500 Sumiko, $900 Ortofon and $5000 Linn Kandid. The difference between my first cartridge and second - nearly double in price, was a very noticeable improvement. Then I took the plunge and spent $5000 (after tax) for my Linn Kandid cartridge. The difference and improvement in the quality of sound was startling. The soundstage was like nothing I'd ever heard before. Coupled with my newly acquired McIntosh MP 1100 phono pre-amp and I was hearing things in LP's that quite frankly I had never heard before. Amazing! So here's the question: At what price point do I run into seriously diminished returns on a cartridge investment? I rather doubt I'm going to have "double" the quality of sound that I received with my Linn Kandid cartridge if e.g. I went up to a $10K cartridge. So, my question to you audiophiles with loads of experience, what is your opinion on what price point (neighborhood) would take me to a place where every dollar spent thereafter would yield only micro returns. Said another way, what is the best price point to take anyone to the the same neighborhood as a person with "money to burn" on cartridges? BTW, I realize there are probably some pearls that don't cost nearly as much - and that money doesn't always buy you love. If you KNOW of those do tell.