I think more importantly than simply the value difference of going from $5000-$10,000 is the design and the brand. Speaking retail, I have a $3200 Kiseki Purple Heart and went to a $5500 Koetsu rosewood signature. I preferred the Kiseki. I haven’t experimented a lot but I suspect once you find a mfg that you like then climb their ladder. I tried another $5000 cartridge, the Soundsmith Sussuro MkIi ES and I did not care for that or the support they provided.
