What turntable in the $2500 range?

lewm, I understand your point, but what if the top of the line removable headshell is heavy enough to raise the resonance of the cartridge/tonearm combination to be above say 20 db?  That should cause mis-tracking especially of low frequencies and that should be audible.  I know it is measurable for sure.   

Then that headshell is not a good choice with that cartridge, of course. (I think you mean “Hz”, not db.) Actually, if you play with the equation for resonant frequency, it’s pretty hard to imagine a combo of cartridge and effective mass that ends up with resonance at above 20 Hz. But I suppose it could happen . Also, too heavy headshell lowers resonant frequency.

I do mean Hz, not db.  With my GAE, there are no aftermarket headshells that I have on hand that did not prove too heavy for either the Ortofon 2M Black LVB or the VAS Nova.  I tried several.  Resonance was above 20 Hz in every case.  Ortofon, Yamamoto, and so on.  The OEM headshell weighs 8.0 grams, all the others weigh 12.0 or more.  

Part of my point was that resonant frequency (Fr) is inversely proportional to the square root of the product of effective mass X compliance.  Therefore, an increase in effective mass would lower Fr, not raise it.

I own a couple of Ortofon and Yamamoto headshells that weigh about 10g.  I've never had to shop for anything lighter in weight but those two companies may make some in that category.

After being demo'd two redesigns vs one which is a original OEM designs on the Tonearm I use. A s subjective evaluation and a recollection of a past experience that is quite indelible, I can state there is merit in considering an improved connection for a Bayonet Type removable head shell and using Wand Wire that is continuous from Cart' Lead Out Pins through to Phon' RCA.

The A/B of the OEM Bayonet Connection for the removable Headshell is undoubtedly quite convenient, but with a design a little less convenient the sonic betterment as a result of the improved rigidity of the Headshell as a redesign proved to be immense, and very very much wanted to be kept in use.

A Later time the Tonearms were compared with a exchange of a signal wire and as a continuous wire within the wand. This double change (wire type and removal of connections)  was substantial as a betterment as well.