Is there usually a dramatic difference between $5k and $10k cartridges ?

ghdprentice, of course.

I once put $2k power cord on $1k integrated amp and it was much better compared to $500 power cord, let alone $100 power cord.

Conversely, I evaluated 6 different power cords providing power to the bias supplies of my Sound Lab ESLs.  I did not expect to hear much if any difference, but I did hear a hardware store power cord (the stock cord. provided by Sound Lab) come in second to a ribbon type power cord from Maple Shade, which was by far NOT the most costly of the 6 cords I evaluated.  LIkewise, one ought not to generalize that cartridges can in any way be ranked for SQ according to cost. You can do it, but you will be ignoring some superb cartridges.

Interesting power cord comparison with your Sound Labs.

And speaking of tonearm/cartridge match..

I'll let others speak, I don't know much about it.

My today self is amused by my then self for even taking the trouble to assemble 6 pairs of power cords, let alone doing the listening test.

Why not ? After all, six is not sixty, that was reasonable.