Best MM?

Budget, FYI, is up to $1500. 

I guess it's just going to be trial and error.... starting with either the Audio Note IO3 or the Clearaudio Maestro V2 Ebony.

Vortrex, thank you. No, I am not going to replace my Goldring 1042 right now. $1000 is a lot of money in my book, besides I like some edginess in the sound, Audio Note might be too refined for my taste. No way to know, though, unless you try.
Nagaoka MP500 and the Audio Note cost about the same. I never really think German when it comes to analog.

Budget, FYI, is up to $1500.

That's enough for some amazing and very rare MM cartridges from the 80s in NOS condition, why do you want modern production of MM in MC era ? The problem is that you will lose money on it (if you don't like them), while the NOS or even used vintage MM heritage is only raise up in value in time, never lose.   

Dhcod, this is no game; if you are a music lover it is essential that you get as much as possible out of each and every time you play a record.

Since this is for the long haul, go to the max on your budget. The Clearaudio Maestro V2 Ebony sounds like a good start.

Cartridges are not an investment, they are for your supreme audio pleasure; bonds and stocks are for investment.

Dear @dhcod : If you are really specific on those 3 cartridge mentioned then you can't go wrong with either.

Something else? the Ortofon 2M Black, Audio Note Iq3, Reson Reca  and many more.

R.