Phono Cartridge for $1,000.

Any MM cartridge can be loaded at 100k Ohm (instead of 47k Ohm) and it will be a huge upgrade, much "more airy" presentation and noticeable high frequency extension. At least worth to try as an alternative to 47k Ohm standard. 

Also MM cartridge can sound bad if the cable capacitance is not what was recommended by the manufacturer. Pay attention to the cables used for MM. 

Fremer's video tour at Excel Sound wasn't impressive for me, anyone can watch here. 

Anybody know something about Hana’s mono cartridge? I’m somewhat considering replacing my AT33 Mono Anniversary.

If your arm leans toward medium-low mass the ART 9 is very hard to beat at that price. Maybe the one component I most regret selling. 

Another vote for the Hana SL. Can’t put to words the improvement over my Sumiko. Has about 25 hours and sounds lovely - and its party trick is how it reduces pops and clicks. Still playing with impedance - it calls for >400 ohms and flipping between 330 and 1k with my Tavish.

Note; compliance is 10 @100hz. Excel has explained this might be 17 @10hz :) typical Japanese ambiguity.  

@chakster  How many Hrs. would you get out of art-9 lo? Is that a match for vpi prime sig table. Or what is for that price range.
Thanks