Hi Dandy,
Certainly the budget is right to make some sort of impact. The big problem I was coming up with was the modern interpretation of the word 'improvement'. Some would say the Ortofon M2 Black 'is better', loads of detail, great base but it has no soul, of course thats my personal opinion with respect to my system.
I did not get to hear the Grado Master . . . it is said to be very laid back but detailed, a bit 'Marmite' I suspect.
Have a look on the Divine Audio site, there is a very good description on one of the Lyra cartridges in the customer review, not seen that before myself.
I had a go at Dynavectors, came close but not quite???
I was lucky, the Sumiko was a used trade in . . . I had everything to gain, the dealer said I could try it, it was destined for the trash heap anyway! First hurdle, it was not worn out, I sat and listened, not in the face but it draws you into the music. Slowly one becomes aware of the fines in the recording, first in the midrange then top and bottom . . . you start to realise you are listening to what on the record, not the style of the cartridge. Over egged base, forward bright detailed top, its not real, great for a little while, then the itchy feet start, I dont have that problem.
How all this relates to your deck, arm, system, only you can tell by listening, I'm not suggesting a Sumiko Pearwood, thats £1300 new! Sadly, I never got to hear the Benz cartridges, they certainly should be in the running . . . however, at this sort of money a dealer has got to go along with you on demo, IMHO.
PC tomorrow, regards, CJSF