Looking for mc cartridge in $1000-$1500 range.

@nandric which one you could add in the list for the OP, would be nice to see some other contenders 

It is unclear if the OP (which I believe stands for Original Poster) requires the cartridge to be new or if NOS and/or previously 'cherished' would also apply.

For used there are plenty of contenders in this price range, you only  have to find them. In addition to the other suggestions you might consider Accuphase AC-3 (also built by the ZYX owner), Ortofon MC-3000 & 5000 and several Shelter models (like 501 and 701). And I can certainly vouch for the Nak MC-1000, but the tired word 'rare' really does apply here. Also quite rare and one of my favorite 'old' cartridges is Audiocraft AC-03. Designed and built by Matsudeira-San, current owner of MY Sonic Lab and also the designer of (some of) the Air Tight cartridges. 

If it must be new, my highest recommendation in this price range would be Phasemation PP-300. Official retail is now $1799 I believe, but Japanese sellers occasionally offer them online for less. Its predecessor, the largely identical P-3G, can sometimes be found NOS for $1000 or less.

Sorry to pile on here... open ended questions like this will get you dozens of recommendations.  But, I did this same research about a year ago, and I ended up with an AT ART9.  There's no looking back!  I'm very happy with it, and reviews from others here will agree.  It's certainly not the only option, but those who have heard it seem to agree that it punches well above its peers.

Thank you all for some interesting leads to follow.
Btw, I have had Shelter 501 II and Blackbird hi output in this system. Shelter did not track well with my arm. Blackbrd did not have enough “air” in mids. With the Shelter I’m guessing compliance was too low for a light cartridge and low mass arm. That’s the reason I’m looking at EAT Jo No.5 -  High mass, mid-high compliance.  I heard both the Hana and the EAT at CA dealers, and liked them both - but not my system, so hard to evaluate. Has anyone actually heard these cartridges?
I prefer to buy new from CA dealer. New on-line may be o.k. If a good deal.