Looking for the best moving coil cart that is around $5K used

Handyman, it’s your money, your ears and your equipment. Do WTF you want. Their are a lot of experienced audiophiles here with the ego to match. Trust me, they make mistakes too. I love my TT and I get gut punched every time I tell someone here it’s a Linn. What I can say is that changes in the TT really can make a noticeable difference in SQ. For me, it was the power supply upgrade. Hugenificant difference. Changing to audioquest leopard TA cable improved SQ to me. And all these smaller changes to my TT have (I think) magnified the difference that my TA upgrade (EkosSE) and cartridge upgrade ( Lyra Etna) made. You have a good cartridge assuming stylus and cantilever are in good shape.  There’s never 1 fix and I believe in the synergies of components so make it a process to enjoy and learn from as you search for that SQ that YOU want. 

Hey Handyman - if you like the Dynavector 'house sound', I am about to list for sale my  DRT XV-1t with outboard TRON step-up transformer in the price range you're mentioning.  Message me for further info.  Thanks.

I agree with tooblue.  Although the rewards might not come immediately, and it may require work on your part, I believe $5,000 is too much to spend on a cartridge, when your turntable seems to be a limiting factor(I have to admit to not being a fan of the one Scout[or Scoutmaster], although modified, I heard at a show.  It was not very dynamic, or emotion-inducing to me, but may have been limited due to the modifications.).

Papafrgog, I wouldn't worry so much about what others here say regarding your Linn.  First, I got to hear needledrops on PinkFish Media that, to me, showed me that a Linn Lp12 was the best of the bunch, which included an SME and the old Technics direct drive(with mods), among others.  The thing is, with music, it's not all an intellectual exercise.  In other words, you can get enjoyment from the actual music, unlike some other hobbies, where you worry if you really have the best.  Number 2:  I heard the Technics SP10 from a well-known audio company, and they also  do mods to this turntable.  It was not in the same league as a well set up Linn, at least by my standards, which includes enjoying the music, and getting off on it(maybe affecting you emotionally?).

I agree with mmakshak! A well-setup Sondek is indeed hard to beat! I have one myself, along with two Ariston RD's (the Linn's cousins). And I have kept them all in use, preferring them to today's pricier TT's! Get the best TT you can afford - even if it means skimping on the cartridge.