For cartridges, MM ones such as Clearaudio Virtuoso (lightly used), Cartridge Man Music maker III (lightly used) would be near the top sound wise for around $500-550. I'd second the Hana SL, or Denon 103R for LOMC if your phono preamp has enough gain. If you're patient, you can land a very good MC for around $700 used. I've been able to buy a couple $2700-3000 cartridges for under $750 lightly used. I'd agree that your analog setup is not going to extract the best from such an expensive cartridge. I personally loved the Virtuoso in my system and I had a good overall system. I'd still be tempted to try one again and my system is now really good.
If you wanted to upgrade your phono pre, the Allnic H-1200 is out of production but still a good sounding phono pre. Should be able to get used for about $750-850. It would be a significant upgrade to what you have. You already have a good integrated, but if you wanted an excellent sounding preamp WITH an even better phono section built in, the Audible Illusions 2C or 2D would be great. I had a 2D that kept me happy for about 17 years until I upgraded to an Audible Illusions 3A w/ John Curl MC phono section. Absolutely hard to beat or even equal in its price range. The 2D is about $700-800 used and the 3A w/ MM phono is about $1000-1100 used. These pieces last a long time and the sound is way better than the price. The AI stuff is one of the all time best buys in stereo equipment.
Bob
If you wanted to upgrade your phono pre, the Allnic H-1200 is out of production but still a good sounding phono pre. Should be able to get used for about $750-850. It would be a significant upgrade to what you have. You already have a good integrated, but if you wanted an excellent sounding preamp WITH an even better phono section built in, the Audible Illusions 2C or 2D would be great. I had a 2D that kept me happy for about 17 years until I upgraded to an Audible Illusions 3A w/ John Curl MC phono section. Absolutely hard to beat or even equal in its price range. The 2D is about $700-800 used and the 3A w/ MM phono is about $1000-1100 used. These pieces last a long time and the sound is way better than the price. The AI stuff is one of the all time best buys in stereo equipment.
Bob