Table/Cartridge price ratio

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.

I think in most cases its more that the person buying a less expensive turntable is mostly due to shallow pockets and will also have the same issues buying a cartridge..I realize there are other factors for some,but many trade up to a more expensive table before buying a more expensive cartridge..It just makes more sense,not that you won't get better sound with a better cartridge.

>>I think good cartridges these days start in the $250 range or so for MCs, less for MMs<<

In this price range moving magnets almost always sound better than moving coils.

YMMV