new cart 600.00 and under

I recommend that you call Music Direct. They sell a lot of VPI tables and a lot of different cartridges. I'm sure they'll have a load of great suggestions at your price point. And after the Axpona show in Chicago, there may be some terrific "open box" deals. I have no affiliation with them, other than being a happy customer. By the way, your friend's system probably sounds mighty fine ..... Revel, Rogue, and PrimaLuna probably exhibit a pretty smooth and sublime synergy ! Good Luck with your search !

My favorites at the price point

1. Shure M97Xe with Jico SAS stylus
2. Goldring Gl2500
3. Dynavector 10X5
4. Soundsmith Carmen

M~

I'm amazed at the sound from a Denon DL-110 (under $200), after trying it while I figure out what to do with a ClearAudio Maestro ($1k) that may need retipping.

I second the recommendation of the Denon Dl-S1; if you have a phono stage that can handle its low output, there are few, if any, cartridges in the sub $1500 range that can compete with it.

The Ortofon 2m Black is an outstanding cartridge at that price point.