Analog upgrade path

300 to 400 usd in ebay.. stylus 250ish. reasonable 

@anthonya I read on another site that the 1042 has a very close sound to the 2500 at a lower price point, as well as being amenable to a wider variety of tonearms.

@chakster I read a previous post of yours regarding the Garrot brothers. A very storied history with a rather tragic end.

I came across an 11 cartridge shootout on another site 

http://soundadvicevinyl.com/2017/12/04/under-1000-moving-magnet-cartridge-shootout-11-cartridge-reviewed/

the winner was The Vessel r3sm. What caught my attention was that the cartridges were all evaluated on a Technics ‘table, which makes me think this might be a good match.

I will say that I’m really picking up (no pun intended) the difference a cardridge can make. I have on hand a Technics SL-2000 I bought as a gift for my younger brother. It’s fitted with a Shure m93e, and I can say that I certainly prefer the AT-3600l on my ‘table.

Not sure about your budget, but check out the Tavish Audio Design "Adagio", Modwright "PH 9.0" for tube designs or the PS Audio "Stellar" and Gold Note "PH-10" for SS. At least the first three offer trial periods.

@grk my budget started out at $500, then I thought maybe $1000 was more in the proper range, now it’s looking like $1500 is my absolute upper limit and giving me an ulcer thinking about it. What can I say? I’m a proletarian.

I’m actually really interested in the Decware Zen Triode ZP3, since millercarbon was kind enough to alert me to it’s existence. Great review in Toneaudio issue 74. Seems like a very reasonable price considering what you get, and I like that it includes the option to later add an SUT with adjustable loading if I decide to take the plunge and move to a MC cart.

Cartridges wear out.

Turntables don't. Neither do tonearms. Nor phono stages. Anyway, investing in any of them will get you further than a cartridge, even a Koetsu (which I own). IMO.

I had a Technics SL1500 in my room for a time, paired to an air bearing tonearm and a good cartridge. Didn't care for the sound compared to my belt drive tables.

Since you are considering staying with the SL1500, you are obviously content with a non-suspended table. In that case, an air bearing arm may work best for you, and yes, one of them is affordable.

I use two air bearing tonearms from Trans-Fi, the Terminator (don't blame me, I didn't name it). At about $1200, the best buy in high end audio, but won't work on a suspended table. That's where I'd go: (1) Terminator, (2) belt drive unsuspended table (3) phono stage. Save what you didn't spend on cabling to get a decent cartridge, and when you've got lots more to spend, upgrade the cartridge.

That way you spend money on non-depreciating assets instead of putting money into a depreciating asset and getting less bang for the buck (a cartridge). IMO.