Table/Cartridge price ratio

Depends on the tonearm.

It is impossible to evaluate and/or give advice for any cartridge(s) without the tonearm.

The tonearm/cartridge and amplifier/speaker matches are the most critical in any audio system.

Table/cartridge price ratio is not a useful measure.

I've never heard two cartridges that sound the same so generally you will never get the same results with two different cartridges in the same rig.

The only component I hear more variation in from model to model, vendor to vendor, is the speakers.

I think that once you have a very good cartridge, the differences are largely a matter of taste, like with speakers.

I think good cartridges these days start in the $250 range or so for MCs, less for MMs. Either are capable of good performance, though I tend to prefer MCs as a group over MMs.

I'd have to say in my experience I totally disagree with Samujohn. There is a huge difference between 500 and 3000 dollar carts, more money gets you more magic usually. Now you can have a great time with a 300 dollar cart, just don't fool yourself into believing that the 3000 dollar one sounds just about the same IT DOES NOT! That said I don't know that you'd want to spend that kind of money when you are playing with a 1500 dollar table/arm setup. You may be better to upgrade that and stay reasonable with the cart for a while. So no 800 for a cart for your setup would not be overkill.

I also agree with Audiofiel. Diminishing returns is a concept, not a specific dollar amount or an instruction table. For example, an inexpensive Rega arm might well benefit from a cartridge that cost more than the arm itself. A little knowledge and help with specifics may be required.

I feel that the cartridge is more important than the turntable. I have tried several cartridges in the Shelter line. Each time moving up the chain and always appreciating the sonic improvements. Like many products in the Audio industry, sonic differences and personal preferences define the various brand names. You need to figure out which brand of cartridge fits your taste in music. Some are more detailed and others more fluid. Then purchase one in that line that fits your budget. Why is it ok to spend $1500 on the turntable but only $800 on the cartridge? Usually its the cool look of the table that justifies the expenditure. Just because the appearance of the cartridge does not make a statement doesn't mean the sound improvement is not there. In fact its probably even greater. Good Luck.