Grado cartridges still worth the money?

@luna I have posted something about my experience with Joseph Grado Signature model (the Grado XTZ) in MM thread. It's wonderful cartridge, rare, but still under $1000 if you will find one. It was $750 in the 80s and i doubt their new models can be any better than Joseph's signature XTZ.  

Not exactly a Grado, but my Cartridge Man Music Maker 3 (with Soundsmith ruby/contact line retip) is incredible in my OL Encounter mk3C / Townshend Rock 3 setup. It beat a Dynavector xx2 Mk2 in this setup. Not claiming the MM is a "better" cart overall, just a better match with the OL arm. Len Gregory (the Cartridge Man) starts with a cheap plastic Grado, guts and completely rebuilds it. Doesn’t look like much, but the sonics far exceed any Grado I’ve ever heard! Also great in my Hadcock 242 arm. Highly recommended in the right (light to medium mass) arm.

when did anyone pay $2k for a mm ?

About 20 times a week .

I have the Grado Statement 2 (low output) which just replaced the older version of the same cartridge that I had for over 15 years.  VPI Aries turntable and the original VPI HW 10 tonearm.  Great midrange...open and detailed.  I've been very happy with these Grados.