Looking for the best moving coil cart that is around $5K used

Well handyman, you say the speed is spot on because the TT is direct drive. I don’t think so.

TT generate lots of noise, which means vibration, and speed variation. It is only a question of the spectrum and amplitude of noise. For example, there is an inherent noise from the motor: cogging. Its frequency is some multiple of 1.8 seconds / number of poles. Then there is bearing noise, whose frequency is some fraction of 1.8 seconds. Then there is noise from the power supply, at idiosyncratic frequencies.

All of this noise is attenuated by the moment of inertia (rotational "mass") of the platter. Noise is nevertheless there, and it presents as artificial brightness, sibilance, high frequency edge. Its reduction is one of the main goals of high end.

If you don’t agree with my analysis, fine. But this is wholly objective: can your tonearm support fine azimuth adjustment, to a few minutes of arc? If not, your Urushi deserves better.

I should also have noted that in the real world of physical measurements, speed is always an average. So speed can be spot in when measured over a few seconds, but nevertheless have huge variation when the average is taken over a few milliseconds. The ear hears clearly to 20KHz, so a 50 microsecond average is clearly audible, let alone the problems with beats, which push the threshold further yet. This is the old statistical problem of measuring with one number, the mean. It says nothing about the standard deviation or higher moments.

Terry9. I'm sure your correct. Just like there's no such thing as a perfect circle. The TT has a built in strobe. It says the speed is correct and that's close enough for me. 🙂

Thanks to all of you for your responses.  I will consider your recommendations.  One thing I agree with-my $$ is better spent on a new cart, rather than a used one.  Interestingly enough-I had no offers to buy anyone's used cart. :)  As I said, my sound is good, maybe even great.  Just looking for somewhere to improve.  I'm satisfied with all of my main components.  Thought I might try a new cartridge, Not that the cart isn't a main component.  I think it's one of the most important ones.  Garbage in-garbage out.
Steve

If you are looking for somewhere to improve it is your turntable and/or tonearm. Just because your Pioneer sounds as good as your VPI doesn't mean that either of them are letting you get the best from your cartridge.

Try using a great tonearm like Graham, Basis, EMT, etc and you will see what I mean.

Good luck and have fun