Is There An "Absolute" Best Cartridge?

Dgob,
Thanks. I learned a new word today! (I did not know 'Aporia' had an adjective). While it may not be the place to discuss it, we are still stuck with lack of agreement on what "the best" is and whether it indeed exists (or whether, if it exists, it is by definition unattainable). I expect that people may enjoy the same cartridge and respect others' enjoyment without agreeing on the philosophy behind the words they use to describe it... Personally, I expect the carts themselves don't care much, and the cart designers are much more circumspect.

Dear Raul, I always listen well - that's why I am so careful with my statements. That I do not value the EPC-P100c/4 as high as you do may simply have to do with different biases and different preferences in taste (here we go again - individuality...).
To me the EPC-P100c/4 does smooth out the sound - as many good MMs and MIs do.
It (and 99.99% of all other cartridges) lacks the physical presence I am accustomed to get from reel-to-reel machines and I know I can get from a cartridge too.
But I never heard it from any MM or MI.
Much to my regret, as the higher output of both principles means a great relief for any phono stage.
However - wishful thinking doesn't help on the track.
The EPC-P100c/4 did not stand the test of time.
Even if recently re-discovered by yourself - and your great enthusiasm to promote its status ( which I do respect - don't get me wrong !!! ) will certainly put it to the attention of some followers of fashion here on A'gon.
It was widely forgotten in the past 2.5 decades.
As were a lot of other great (but none the "best"...) cartridges which would easily hold their place against any top-flight pick-up on the new market today.
In my point of view the one thing we all can learn from "cartridge discoveries" like yours and mine (which will stay anonymous....... some may think they know what I am referring to, but they are all wrong...;-)....) is that the wheel is e-invented over and over again.
There is nothing really new in cartridge design today, which wasn't there in 1980.
We have certain ideas in body construction, shape and composition and a lot of new phrases for old facts.

Dear Nandric, well - the non-existence of the entity of Sith is yet not proofed.
A Sith is rather exposed only by his actions and his dealing in absolutes.
You know, the dark side of the force is very tempting....... that's why so many great and mighty souls did fall for it.
It is a matter of ego and the striving for absolutes which puts one on the first steps toward the dark side.
I rather stay a humble Yedi ....... ;-)......
May the force be with you !

Interesting Thread. But I think it will be endless.
The Best for whom?
For most Audiophiles (99%) it already exists. It is their next one.

Syntax, you are quite right.
Sometimes the answer to many questions is simple.
It is an everlasting and itself inducting process here.
We poor analog-junkies go always for the next fix - and the next will always be the best in the moment or the illusion.
That's why I always promote centering the concentration on the software - it stays, the hardware will be exchanged as long as the wallet and the circumstances allow.