I was quite impressed with my friends Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II Cartridge for $500 its a winner and will beet the MM carts named above IMO. We were comparing it to his Denon 103 low output with a shibata tip and it was hands down better the moded 103. price is from needledoctor by the way.
got me thinking my next cart will be the AT-Art 9 but that’s a little over your budget at $1200.
Actually there is one on ebay for $870 if you can get one for the $800’s that may be a stretch worth taking as they are very highly recommended.
not sure if it will meet your compliance though worth looking into