1K sleeper MC cart?

BTW, I'm in process of running in a Lyra Etna and comparing it to a fresh ART7.  An ART7 can't kill an Etna.  But, factoring in the 8x difference in price, the ART7 is an incredible value.  I wouldn't bother to look elsewhere at the $1K price level. 

@dgarretson But if you can afford an expensive exotic cartridge, surely you can afford a proper replacement? If you bought a Ferrari and the engine failed, would you replace it with an engine from a Dodge minivan? Rich people who can afford expensive toys need not bother. It's the broke people who shouldn't have bought it in the first place that are using these services. I understand greed. But logically to me it makes no sense. 

Unlike everything else in high end audio, a cartridge is a consumable. 1000-2000 hrs. and it’s done. However, for many cartridges the suspension can outlast the diamond by several lifetimes. A Soundsmith OCL diamond is no Dodge. It’s helps justify the stretch for a more expensive cartridge by doubling its lifespan.

Soundsmith is introducing new versions of their carts and there are great deals on the old versions at Music Direct, Elusive Disk, Upscale Audio, etc.
The Otello, Carmen and Zephyr MkIII are all now under $1k and the $2k Zephyr MIMC is down to $1,200. All are very well reviewed and can be rebuilt for only 20% of MSRP when the time comes.

no affiliation, just a fan of Soundsmith