Audio Technica has 3 grades of cartridges: Budget, Mid-Priced, and Premium.
Even though the differences in price are significant, the differences in sound quality are subtle. Advancements in cartridge technology peaked in the 1980s and have leveled off and due to economics and cost of materials, advancements have even regressed. The main difference between the budget and the other series is the internal design. The budget series uses the standard 1 coil per channel design that is used in the majority of moving magnet generators. The mid-price and premium models use the 2 humbucker coils per channel design. Humbucker coils are required in moving iron designs because of the excessive noise and hum due to the interaction of the internal magnets and coils. But in moving magnet designs, standard Mu-metal shielding is sufficient. Some think using humbucker coils in moving magnet cartridges is over-kill but others believe the design produces a quieter sound. The differences in sound between the mid-price and premium models is even more difficult to determine; the casual listener will find it difficult to hear a difference.