The important thing to keep in mind is that the ability of the tone arm to properly track the cartridge is far more important than what cartridge you actually get. In this regard an inexpensive cartridge will totally keep up with one that might cost 10 or 50x more if the tracking is right (and if any loading requirements that the cartridge or preamp may have are satisfied).
Basically, if its all correct, it will sound like music :)
This is a very interesting concept (interesting enough that you said it twice :-)). Ralph-time and time again I have thanked you for your input. I will be the last to say that you are incorrect. I just had my TD124 hot-rodded by Greg Metz of STS/Classic Thorens (shameless plug) with a Reed 3P arm and Greg waxed on and on about how killer it sounded in his system with a simple vintage Shure MM cartridge. Each time I moved up the price tier on turntables and arms, I increased my price-point on cartridges. That is just our natural inclination. I was waiting for a Cadenza Bronze to arrive and put in an old Benz Glider SL. For some reason, I was able to nail perfect alignment on my third try with the Benz. It sounded worlds better with the new deck and Reed arm than it had sounded on my previous VPI decks. The Bronze came in. Out went the Glider. I still have not nailed perfect alignment with the Bronze but I came very close. It too sounds very good and it's not yet broken in. It would take a lot of willpower, but I would like to see how a Denon 103R would sound. That said, it is drilled into our heads by certain well known experts that complex styli shapes and exotic cantilevers and precious wiring all bound together by space age body composite or material are necessary for getting all the information dug out from the groove(s). How could a lowly vintage Shure MM with a crudely shaped stylus profile and a low compliance bulky cantilever made by JICO possibly compete in sonics?
