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

I'll never be at that range so,forget about it...not even 1k.

$30k table, $15k arm, $25k phono stage

@inna 

I believe you can reach a high quality analog rig for less.   Targeting a rig good enough to play top carts but at least cost while minimally sacrificing Sonic quality, I got a used VPI Avenger Rim drive $8k (excellent established mass type turntable), new 4point (excellent price/performance) n Schroeder tonearms $5-10k, used VDH Grail SB phono stage $6.5k (bargain priced current phono to lower noise floor). With this I run top carts from Lyra, VDH, Koetsu….  One drawback - if I want to run a SUT, then I’ll have to get a quality “voltage” phono stage