Have you considered the Blue?
A considerable step down from the Purple Heart in cost, but still a very good performer. I hear it as a neutral, convincing cart on my setup.
Personally, I won't go over half the retail of my table.
Another cart that performs above its price, is the Audio Technica ART 9. I used one prior to the Blue, and it's another 1K less than the Blue. I have the Blue because the opportunity to get the Blue for a great price presented itself.
While I like the Blue more than the ART9, I don't think it's worth over 2X retail cost.
Presumably, your phonostage is up to the task for your next cart?
A considerable step down from the Purple Heart in cost, but still a very good performer. I hear it as a neutral, convincing cart on my setup.
Personally, I won't go over half the retail of my table.
Another cart that performs above its price, is the Audio Technica ART 9. I used one prior to the Blue, and it's another 1K less than the Blue. I have the Blue because the opportunity to get the Blue for a great price presented itself.
While I like the Blue more than the ART9, I don't think it's worth over 2X retail cost.
Presumably, your phonostage is up to the task for your next cart?