Is there usually a dramatic difference between $5k and $10k cartridges ?

dwette, what table/arm do you use with Lyra ?

+1 @atmasphere 

@rvpiano +1 "What type of LP would be up to the task of producing such high quality sound?"

Vinyl records produced/tested with “professional” grade carts, with focus on sound accuracy. 

“Vinyl records produced/tested with “professional” grade carts, with focus on sound accuracy”.

It seems to me that would be a very limiting factor for me, acquiring a 1oK cartridge. I don’t want to just listen for the sake of listening. I’d rather listen for the music therein.

Well, some recording studios use $5 per mile cables to make recordings. This doesn't mean that your audiophile cables don't make them sound better than similar $5 per mile cables. They do. Better equipment makes everything sound better, regardless of the quality of the recordings. The degree will vary.