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

@atmasphere they also play test pressings in the record plant during the manufacturing cycle. I’ve been on tours of the AS/AP/QRP facility in Salina. They have a small room next the one where all the presses are located. I’ve observed a plant engineer take a record off the press and go into that room to play it. I was told they do that periodically for quality assurance. They might not sit there with a stopwatch playing the whole thing (I don’t know), but they at least do spot checks.

I can’t speak to other plants but that’s what they do at QRP. I’ll bet it’s the same at RTI, Optimal, Pallas, etc.

@inna some fb to OP: discussing sound quality, using only price of cartridge, is pointless.. there are many $400 cart (80s price) outperforming $2k+ current offers.

the biggest task of building perfect analog system is to match cart/tonearm/phono-pre/pre/amp/speakers/room to give you what you want!

interpretation of "dramatic difference" can vary

Likely some “emotional” connection to the “perceived” sound change which both can vary per each individual 

Yes but you have to be careful. Many cartridge manufacturers have a bit of "house sound" so do your research. 

The comment about very cheap cables in recording studios is doubtful, but even if true is meaningless. It is about getting the most from the software. Same with statements about AC to your outlets.

@dwette +1 Thanks!