Cartridge to turntable price ratio

I have heard wide variations in ratios. I think it would not be unusual for a $2.5 K table to have a $1K cartridge… but a $2K cartridge would probably sound much better. So I would think 20% to 50% for modest turntables.

However, at some point you have a “audiophile grade” table, something of very high quality with all aspects of performance in the exceptional category… say greater than $7K or $8K? … I’m not sure exactly… but these should support much better cartridges… more than the value of the table. I know of a member running a $20K cartridge on an ~ $8K TT and it sounds simply spectacular. So, I think there is a lot more flexibility with high end tables.

My two primary tables cost $3000 and $1900 each (quality used vintage tables).  One has a Umami Red ($4000) the other has a Sound Smith Paua ($4000) and a Sound Smith MIMC* mono ($2300).They replaced a Hana ML and a Dynavector 10x5. Both were significant upgrades, not just in price, but performance as well, so I have no problem with a cartridge that cost double the price of the turntable. Personally, I think the point of diminishing returns effects the turntable before it does the cartridge.

Personally, I think the point of diminishing returns effects the turntable before it does the cartridge.

I agree, just don't put a $5000 cart on a $300 table. 

Better cartridges are always a plus with any well designed modern turntable and price is no indication. I would feel perfectly comfortable putting a Lyra Atlas in a Thorens TD 1600. However, it also depends on the rest of the system and again price is no indication. Most important is a high definition loudspeaker. Some speakers can appreciate the difference a cartridge makes and some can not. 

Depending on your system, Don't forget the tonearm's possible influence.

These “proper” cost ratio questions are…. tedious.

Lewn, then don't read/answer it then. I wasn't asking for thoughts on my question. Before these answers I was thinking of upgrading my turntable before I broke the $2000 price point on a cartridge.  Now probably not. I know the system including the tonearm comes into play. But I wanted to keep the conversation to cartridge and turntable. Thanks to the people whom responded.

Assuming you have a fundamentally solid well performing TT/ARM:

The cartridge's effect on the sound is FAR more important than a 'better' turntable.

No ratio, it's about MM or MC; Phono Stage and/or SUT; Tubes/SS; Cantilever stiffness; arm/stylus compliance compatibility; Stylus shape (groove contact/life; specs: tracking weight; wide channel separation; tight channel balance.

Why do I say the question is tedious or even meaningless?  Because if you admit the possibility for a pre-owned turntable (and by the way, the tonearm is at least as important), then you cannot pinpoint what "should be" the cost for a given cartridge.  Then, at least in my opinion, the best sounding cartridges are not in order of cost.  Many here seem to believe that there is a 1 to 1 ratio between SQ and what you pay; I emphatically do not. So, three of my favorite cartridges are vintage, and if you can find a sample, the cost would be well under $2000 for each.  Yet, I would readily mount any of those cartridges on any of the most expensive turntable/tonearm combinations, while also stipulating that no turntable/tonearm really needs to cost more than $25K (pre-owned) or maybe $40K if you insist on brand new. Beyond that, and you are paying for bling and pretence. You should not feel impeded or governed by cost ratios, at all. So why talk about it?

I like to go a little crazy and spend up to the cost of the table for the cart. I have a Clearaudio Maestro v2 on my hot-rodded Rega P3 and it's a wonderful combination. On my Michell Gyro SE I have a Koetsu Black and it's also fantastic. When the Koetsu dies I want an Audio Technica MC, in the $1000+ range with boron cantilever and line contact stylus. 

If one spends time searching out images of Cart's stripped back to their inner workings. It does not take long to see LOMC Cart's as an example share very similar designs as a Structure prior to assembly. 

A magnet or Coil Wire can differ as well as a Body Material if used. 

Styli and Armature are with differences, but a rebuild service can make these available to the customers preference.

I have my own take on where certain Cart's show their differences and are to be found in a Cartv that is substantially more in cost than another. Where it gets tricky is identifying how a $2000 model can have a Cart' produced by the same producer for 3-4 x this cost, without to much deviation from the materials selected to be used.

Again the Mutec Hayabusa and MSL Platinum come to mind.