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

"some recording studios use $5 per mile cables to make recordings” - not really, helped Sony Studios Toronto to find some interconnect issues, they have the best professional grade cables / connectors / mixers / amps / speakers / audio-processing EQ you can imagine! remember, there are only few actual cable and connectors manufacturers (OEMs), unless DIY, users typically employ cable-shop products..

Yeah, some do it right. Later Pink Floyd used Van den Hul cables. They needed two miles of them, as Gilmour said, and they got it.

"some do it right” - who does not? list would be welcome! :-) 

Not to sound like a smart ass, but has anyone actually answered the OP question with experience or just speculation? 98% of the answers are BS. Some good BS but am I wrong 🤔 

I think, some did answer with experience. Besides, the interpretation of "dramatic difference" can vary. But there is some BS, no doubt.