What are the most balanced relatively neutral cartridges at each price level ?

Frankly I don’t see anything wrong with using digital references.  Master dubs on the other hand I have a problem with.  Where did they come from?  What mics were used?  How many mics?  What kind of a mixing console?  Who was the engineer?  It is hard to know some times.  Might be good, might not

I’m not understanding this. How or why is "What mics were used?", "mixing console?", etc. an issue for tape recorded music but not for digital recording?  (Whether from original digital recording or digital copy of analog recording.) 

Under $500? Ortofon 2m Bronze or Hana EH.

Under $1000? Ortofon 2m Black or Hana SL or SH Mk 2. Also, The Hana S Mk 2 carts are probably the best overall value available. 

Under $2000? Hana SL or SH, 

Over $2000? Hana Umami Blue ($2500) or Red ($3950)

Over $4000? Honestly, not sure why you'd need to go there.

At level 2, $1-3K, I have a Koetsu

At level 4, $5K+, I have a Koetsu Onyx and a Koetsu Leopard. 
 

Koetsu is not known for its neutrality, but of the three, the Leopard is most neutral. 

edsemble,

You are right these issues matter irrespective of source be it analog or digital.  

level 1 - up to$1k. - Shure V15vxmr

level 2 - up to $3. - Shure V15vxmr

level 3 - up to $5k. - Shure V15vxmr

level 4. - any price. - Shake Streamliner