One advantage of the Audio Technica AT150MLX among the cartridges discussed here is its MicroLine stylus. MicroLines are usually found on $2K and up moving coil cartridges. They also last longer than other shaped stylii according to an boutiquey analog-based stereo shop I frequent. He said that MicroLines often last 2-5 times as long as other shapes, and he's talking from the perspective of a small specialty shop that sets up hundreds of turntables and inspects stylii routinely. I have five years on my original AT150MLX and it still sounds and tracks like new.
As for where it sits in the hierarchy of affordable high end cartridges, I think that is largely dependent on system matching. This cart is often matched with a Technics SL12x0 DD turntable, creating the impression that the cartridge is to blame for a midrange glare. The real culprit (IME) is the resonant frequency of the tonearm tube and the knurled collar for the headshell. Wrap those in Teflon pipe thread tape and that glare goes away. The AT150MLX was Absolute Sound's 2011 Cartridge of the Year, and is often cited as one of the best sub-$1K cartridges out there.
As for where it sits in the hierarchy of affordable high end cartridges, I think that is largely dependent on system matching. This cart is often matched with a Technics SL12x0 DD turntable, creating the impression that the cartridge is to blame for a midrange glare. The real culprit (IME) is the resonant frequency of the tonearm tube and the knurled collar for the headshell. Wrap those in Teflon pipe thread tape and that glare goes away. The AT150MLX was Absolute Sound's 2011 Cartridge of the Year, and is often cited as one of the best sub-$1K cartridges out there.