MM Phono cartridge

@rivinyl I apologize for not responding to your earlier DM as I don't use the DM service on this site (just too much required info/exposure when I'm not an active equipment trader). But would definitely like to pick up that convo on another thread...

As for MM carts in your price range, I've been eyeing the Nagaoka MP-700 and will likely attempt to order one this weekend. MSRP is ~$1400. Here's a review: https://www.hifinews.com/content/nagaoka-mp-700-cartridge

I have the Nagaoka MP500, Stanton 881s, and the Garrot 77 I believe it is. All way under budget, all good. Of the three, the Garrot is the warmest . The 500 has the advantage of stylus switching if you play other speeds. 

I have the Nagaoka MP-500 and love it.  They just came out with the Nagaoka MP-700.  I would get the 700.  

I have not tried a majority of cartridges. I really enjoy the Sumiko Amethyst going into Ayre P-5xe phono stage. Ortofone Blue is shouting midrange. Audio Technica 760 is ok at best. Boring like a mid fi cd player. 

I haven't heard the Nagaoka 700 but one of the men who I believe worked on it was also involved in the design of the Technics EPC 100 MK4, probably the best MM pickup ever designed It was dead nuts flat to 80 kHz with a resonance at10 kHz, superior in that way to any moving coil. Flat means neither warm or cool just smooth and natural. If I were looking at a moving magnet pickup now, given Nagaoka's experience in MM cartridges plus the input from the Technics person, I would take a chance on the Nagaoka 700.

For much less money I'd look at the top of the MM line of Audia Technica. I heard it. It's a little warm but with sparkle and life.