Back in the early 70's my "Stereo System" delivered recorded music via AM/FM Tuner and Record Changer, so judging cartridge quality was about comparing and contrasting FM Radio to LP play.
From those comparisons I knew my Record Changer/Cartridge was not getting all there was in the record groove to get; thus, I upgraded my vinyl playback system and 5 turntables and carts later I settled on a Sony PS-4750 teamed with a Shure V15 III, still somewhat uncertain I was getting the best experience.
That uncertainty vanished however upon adoption of recorded music on CD, which confirmed, again by contrast and comparison of CD sound to vinyl sound of same music, that the Sony/Shure system was indeed delivering a best there is experience, which made it clear there was no point in upgrading either the turntable or cartridge.
Now, about 37 years later, I have the impression that my 46 year old turntable fitted today with a Shure V15V-MR is still getting all there is in the groove to get, delivering a distortion free tone which is indistinguishable from CD, so no interest in upgrading in this arena.
What I am spending on is 5.1 SACDs, which makes listening to any stereo media taste like a Coke gone flat, no fizz. And, fact is, now that I can download from Apple Music pretty much everything ever recorded in the history of recorded music I no longer have much need for a record player and for sure I am not inclined to put any more money into it.
