Phono Cartridge for $1,000.

I use an Ortofon Quintet Red and it's so good I might try a Black when it wears out...there's yer 1000 bucks right there...

what did you end up doing?

i have a hana ml myself and was actually curious about sidegrading over to maestro. they're in the same price range and while the average mc beats the average mm, ive never compared two that are in roughly the same value proposition. i love moving magnets and i would love to hear a truly great one. but i dont want to feel like im downgrading from what i have. :)

I had a Holborne cartridge for about $900. I thought it was spectacular. I believe EMT makes a pickup at that price range as well and you cannot go wrong with EMT.

For $700-900 this is the best cartridge in my opinion and this is MM. 

AT ART9XI. Nothing comes close at this price.