This post is bringing out some good points. One can only really cross reference from brand experience, discription and referral.
I think when you take into account real wage inflation from say 30 to 50 years ago but also consider the smaller demanded for this medium, the price points are still threw the roof for some cartridges.
I grew up in the guitar building and repair business, and in the last five years I've been building on a small scale guitar pickups with a family friend. Although we are not dealing with exotic stylus we do use various high quality ( often US made ) wire types and alnico magnets. It does take some care and patience in assembly and soldering. The price for example for a pair of 2" x 1/2" long magnets is $8.00.
My point is not to insult or doubt the quality or purchasing of the uber high end cartridges. I'm just a bit stunned by it and feel from a personal stand point one can get high up the latter with vintage and mid price cartridges from bigger manufactures past and present.
I think when you take into account real wage inflation from say 30 to 50 years ago but also consider the smaller demanded for this medium, the price points are still threw the roof for some cartridges.
I grew up in the guitar building and repair business, and in the last five years I've been building on a small scale guitar pickups with a family friend. Although we are not dealing with exotic stylus we do use various high quality ( often US made ) wire types and alnico magnets. It does take some care and patience in assembly and soldering. The price for example for a pair of 2" x 1/2" long magnets is $8.00.
My point is not to insult or doubt the quality or purchasing of the uber high end cartridges. I'm just a bit stunned by it and feel from a personal stand point one can get high up the latter with vintage and mid price cartridges from bigger manufactures past and present.