The question makes it seem like this is a binary choice. I want the best cartridge I can afford that mates with my arm and voices in my system gracefully. I've achieved that at no small cost. As to buying premium "audiophile" records to compensate for gear shortcomings, I just don't think that way.
My focus is on making the average record sound good. Or as good as it can. Most of the material that's sold as premium audiophile has been recycled countless times. Yes, I have multiple pressings of some records. But my aim isn't just sonic "spectacularity," another Wowzer example to show off the system.
This means I've plunged deeply into older records, older-sometimes still living performers- lately, been on a post-bop kick, and many of the OGs were issued during the mid-'70s which was not a high point for vinyl quality.
I have the capability to effectively clean the records (I'm not buying molested copies) and flatten them if necessary.
But to me, the notion that some fancy "audiophile" reissue is going to compensate for shortcomings in your playback system isn't an approach I would take.
Even for evaluation purposes, I'd use a wider range of recordings than so-called "premium audiophile." The turntable, tone arm, cartridge, set up, phono stage and cables all make a difference in vinyl playback. Which is part of the reason it is a PITA. Tracking down records- quite fun.