Best cartridge under $1500.

Nagaoka MP 500
Ortofon 2M Black
Grado Reference Sonata 2

Have all three and like them all depending on my listening mood. The most expensive of these is the Ortofon last I saw was still under $800.

bump it up a little and go for the ortofon cadenza blue.  bold dynamics, a real punchy rocker that sounds great on all genres. shreds the 2m black and sounds better than the art9.  

Thanks Avanti, sounds up my alley!

I’m really happy with the Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC. Right at $1500. 

Lyra Delos