It is unclear if the OP (which I believe stands for Original Poster) requires the cartridge to be new or if NOS and/or previously 'cherished' would also apply.
For used there are plenty of contenders in this price range, you only have to find them. In addition to the other suggestions you might consider Accuphase AC-3 (also built by the ZYX owner), Ortofon MC-3000 & 5000 and several Shelter models (like 501 and 701). And I can certainly vouch for the Nak MC-1000, but the tired word 'rare' really does apply here. Also quite rare and one of my favorite 'old' cartridges is Audiocraft AC-03. Designed and built by Matsudeira-San, current owner of MY Sonic Lab and also the designer of (some of) the Air Tight cartridges.
If it must be new, my highest recommendation in this price range would be Phasemation PP-300. Official retail is now $1799 I believe, but Japanese sellers occasionally offer them online for less. Its predecessor, the largely identical P-3G, can sometimes be found NOS for $1000 or less.
For used there are plenty of contenders in this price range, you only have to find them. In addition to the other suggestions you might consider Accuphase AC-3 (also built by the ZYX owner), Ortofon MC-3000 & 5000 and several Shelter models (like 501 and 701). And I can certainly vouch for the Nak MC-1000, but the tired word 'rare' really does apply here. Also quite rare and one of my favorite 'old' cartridges is Audiocraft AC-03. Designed and built by Matsudeira-San, current owner of MY Sonic Lab and also the designer of (some of) the Air Tight cartridges.
If it must be new, my highest recommendation in this price range would be Phasemation PP-300. Official retail is now $1799 I believe, but Japanese sellers occasionally offer them online for less. Its predecessor, the largely identical P-3G, can sometimes be found NOS for $1000 or less.