What cartridges are you using?

Moby said:
Lyra Delos, contemplating Ortofon Cadenza Bronze or Kiseki Purple Heart.
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The Cadenza Bronze (which I currently use) has a touch of warmth with excellent tracking ability, while the Kiseki PH is considered a step up in performance but with an even warmer tonal balance. Depending upon the rest of your system and personal preferences one might be a better suited upgrade to your system than the other, but both cartridges you're considering are superb performers. Another model you may want to consider would be the recently released Ortofon Windfeld Ti.
 
audio.bill said:
The Cadenza Bronze (which I currently use) has a touch of warmth with excellent tracking ability, while the Kiseki PH is considered a step up in performance but with an even warmer tonal balance. Depending upon the rest of your system and personal preferences one might be a better suited upgrade to your system than the other, but both cartridges you're considering are superb performers. Another model you may want to consider would be the recently released Ortofon Windfeld Ti.
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My new set up is a Clearaudio Ovation with a Universal arm - the Lyra Delos was a carry over from my prior VPI Classic 3 with JMW 3D arm (it sounded better to me in that set up, but I really didn't like the 3D arm). I have an Esoteric E-03 phono pre and Harbeth 30.1 speakers. In the new set up the Lyra is tracking extremely well, is transparent, but I would say it's a touch on the dry side (analytical rather than warm - technical rather than involving/musical). I'm also not particularly impressed with the soundstage. I largely attribute that to my McIntosh MA6600 Integrated which is SS. So I have decided to plunge into tubes and the McIntosh will be replaced with a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated on Monday - everything else will stay the same. At that point, and after the PrimaLuna breaks in, I'll be in a better position to judge the Lyra. Question then will be whether or not the Cadenza Bronze or Kiseki PH will cause everything to lurch too far to the warm side. I have also been considering the new Windfeld Ti. This is all done somewhat blind as I have no real analog dealers up here where I live in the Rockies - and its impossible to get a loan to try one out on my rig in any event. So any advice given the road I'm heading down would be most appreciated.
 
Moby said:
My new set up is a Clearaudio Ovation with a Universal arm - the Lyra Delos was a carry over from my prior VPI Classic 3 with JMW 3D arm (it sounded better to me in that set up, but I really didn't like the 3D arm). I have an Esoteric E-03 phono pre and Harbeth 30.1 speakers. In the new set up the Lyra is tracking extremely well, is transparent, but I would say it's a touch on the dry side (analytical rather than warm - technical rather than involving/musical). I'm also not particularly impressed with the soundstage. I largely attribute that to my McIntosh MA6600 Integrated which is SS. So I have decided to plunge into tubes and the McIntosh will be replaced with a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated on Monday - everything else will stay the same. At that point, and after the PrimaLuna breaks in, I'll be in a better position to judge the Lyra. Question then will be whether or not the Cadenza Bronze or Kiseki PH will cause everything to lurch too far to the warm side. I have also been considering the new Windfeld Ti. This is all done somewhat blind as I have no real analog dealers up here where I live in the Rockies - and its impossible to get a loan to try one out on my rig in any event. So any advice given the road I'm heading down would be most appreciated.
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I think your plan is a sound one, since the switch of your electronics to the PL is likely to significantly impact the balance of your system. Take it slowly to make valid judgements before moving ahead with a new cartridge if you still deem it necessary. I tend to agree with you about the Lyra's balance but it is system dependent and a subjective call. I believe any of the three cartridges you're considering would be a step up but selecting the best one for your needs can be difficult without an audition. Not many of us are in a position of getting demo cartridges to try out without purchasing them, while other components are more commonly loaned by local dealers. Good luck and let us know how it works out with your new PL!
 
Audio Bill: Thanks, the process is part of the fun. I have lots of time and will take it slow. I'll let you know where I land. Thanks for the guidance.
 
audio.bill said:
The Cadenza Bronze (which I currently use) has a touch of warmth with excellent tracking ability, while the Kiseki PH is considered a step up in performance but with an even warmer tonal balance. Depending upon the rest of your system and personal preferences one might be a better suited upgrade to your system than the other, but both cartridges you're considering are superb performers. Another model you may want to consider would be the recently released Ortofon Windfeld Ti.
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I am also using the Cadenza Bronze right now and am happy with it. Yet, I am also pondering over upgrade possibilities.

Here’s a list of carts I find interesting:

- Transfiguration Proteus (might be a tad too cold for my liking)
- Transfiguration Phoenix S (not sure whether it would be an upgrade to the CB)
- Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua (might be too soft)
- Benz Micro SLR Gullwing (older cart, but still great)
- Ortofon Winfield Ti (might not have the slightly warm touch of the CB)

Any views on those alternatives?


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Kuoppis said:
I am also using the Cadenza Bronze right now and am happy with it. Yet, I am also pondering over upgrade possibilities.

Here’s a list of carts I find interesting:

- Transfiguration Proteus (might be a tad too cold for my liking)
- Transfiguration Phoenix S (not sure whether it would be an upgrade to the CB)
- Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua (might be too soft)
- Benz Micro SLR Gullwing (older cart, but still great)
- Ortofon Winfield Ti (might not have the slightly warm touch of the CB)

Any views on those alternatives?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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I don't have any first hand experience with the Transfigurations but hear good reports on them. I wouldn't consider the Dynavector TKR to be an upgrade from the CB. If I was looking to upgrade from my CB at this point I'd be looking at the Kiseki PH or possibly the Windfeld Ti. Some of the new top models from Grado are reported to be exceptional.

One aspect of the CB that I continue to be amazed by is its absolute silence in the groove. Once I had it properly aligned (which is particularly critical with its Replicant stylus profile) most of the surface noise I experienced on my most played vinyl with other cartridges just disappeared completely. When I initially lowered the stylus and turned up the volume before the music started I thought I must have missed the lead in groove due to the silence I experienced. Unless I go with the Windfeld Ti which also uses Ortofon's Replicant stylus I'd be afraid that I'd lose the black background that I get with the CB.
 
Still running an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze myself. Absolutely love it.

Also run a Miyajima Zero Mono on a different VPI arm wand for my older mono record listening.

Given my current setup these two cartridges are the perfect match for me. Both are amazing trackers / tracers and like audio.bill says, exceptionally quiet in the groove. The dynamics, detail and timbre that these two carts are able to produce are "just right" to my ears.
 
I'm currently using the Lyra Helikon Stereo and Mono Cartridges. I love the both as they have given me many years of listening pleasure.

With that being said I'm looking to upgrade the Helikon Stereo. So far on my short list are the Ortofon Cadenza Black and Bronze cartridges.
 
The Cadenza Black, Bronze are great choices, also the Blue is nice and wouldn't rule out......all three have there own unique flavor and depends what your after. A few others to consider would be the Lyra Delos or Kleos, also the Kiseki Purple Heart or Kiseki Blue......the Blue gets over looked often because of the popularity of the Purple but shouldn't, the Blue is a fantastic cartridge also. The AMG Teatro cartridge which may not be as popular as the other cartridges mentioned as its AMG's only cartridge and paired more often with other tables then VPI but its also a nice player with the HRX. All the cartridges mentioned I own along with the HRX table and all the cartridges are in rotation often along with a few others......the flip side to all this is the phono stage side of things, something that shouldn't be over looked if you want to realize the full potential from any of these cartridges.....
 
A/V Solutions said:
The Cadenza Black, Bronze are great choices, also the Blue is nice and wouldn't rule out......all three have there own unique flavor and depends what your after. A few others to consider would be the Lyra Delos or Kleos, also the Kiseki Purple Heart or Kiseki Blue......the Blue gets over looked often because of the popularity of the Purple but shouldn't, the Blue is a fantastic cartridge also. The AMG Teatro cartridge which may not be as popular as the other cartridges mentioned as its AMG's only cartridge and paired more often with other tables then VPI but its also a nice player with the HRX. All the cartridges mentioned I own along with the HRX table and all the cartridges are in rotation often along with a few others......the flip side to all this is the phono stage side of things, something that shouldn't be over looked if you want to realize the full potential from any of these cartridges.....
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Jeff - Very helpful post with your perspectives on several different contenders, thanks for sharing! I took a look at your site and noticed you're also a dealer for Soundsmith cartridges and would appreciate your thoughts on how their Paua for example compares. TIA!
 
A/V Solutions said:
The Cadenza Black, Bronze are great choices, also the Blue is nice and wouldn't rule out......all three have there own unique flavor and depends what your after. A few others to consider would be the Lyra Delos or Kleos, also the Kiseki Purple Heart or Kiseki Blue......the Blue gets over looked often because of the popularity of the Purple but shouldn't, the Blue is a fantastic cartridge also. The AMG Teatro cartridge which may not be as popular as the other cartridges mentioned as its AMG's only cartridge and paired more often with other tables then VPI but its also a nice player with the HRX. All the cartridges mentioned I own along with the HRX table and all the cartridges are in rotation often along with a few others......the flip side to all this is the phono stage side of things, something that shouldn't be over looked if you want to realize the full potential from any of these cartridges.....
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Hi Jeff...thanks so much for the detailed response. You given me lots to think about. :)

I to to would be interested in how the Soundsmith and Grado cartridges compares as well.
 
The Paua is a fine contender, its not a cartridge that will high light one particular area more than another, very balance from top to bottom, another that deserves a good phono stage. A great feature they can be rebuilt for reasonable cost compared to others. One thing to note is many of these cartridge mentioned can be fantastic however the phono stage choice is a very important piece of the puzzle IMO.....I typically build around the phono stage, get that part right and you would be surprised in the performance of the many more affordable cartridges that many shy away from! If its a one time buy in and not planning to spend for awhile then I would rather spend on a great phono & good cartridge vs a great cartridge & good phono. As always YMMV.
 
Paul.....as mentioned briefly above the SoundSmith's are nice and very capable cartridges, so are the Grado's.....I can't tell you one betters the other that would be your (opinion) decision as it comes down to what your after sound wise, they do differ though. Having the availability of many fine cartridges in the market makes it difficult if your plans are just owning one or two carts.....
 
A/V Solutions said:
Paul.....as mentioned briefly above the SoundSmith's are nice and very capable cartridges, so are the Grado's.....I can't tell you one betters the other that would be your (opinion) decision as it comes down to what your after sound wise, they do differ though. Having the availability of many fine cartridges in the market makes it difficult if your plans are just owning one or two carts.....
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Thanks Jeff!
 
A/V Solutions said:
..I typically build around the phono stage, get that part right and you would be surprised in the performance of the many more affordable cartridges that many shy away from!
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Jeff: You’ve focused on the cartridges I’ve been considering to replace my Delos - which is a fine cartridge but I’ve got the itch. You can see the rest of my system in my signature and my phono pre is an Esoteric E-03. So my question is, what would you recommend to go with the Esoteric?
 
Moby said:
Jeff: You’ve focused on the cartridges I’ve been considering to replace my Delos - which is a fine cartridge but I’ve got the itch. You can see the rest of my system in my signature and my phono pre is an Esoteric E-03. So my question is, what would you recommend to go with the Esoteric?
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With out knowing what your after sound wise and just reading from your signature of gear I would consider the Benz Gullwing, works well with your table, arm and will do so with the E-03.....there are other cartridge too but consider one's with a slightly lower output. The 66dB of gain from the E-03 is slightly high for the 0.6mV Delos.
 
A/V Solutions said:
With out knowing what your after sound wise and just reading from your signature of gear I would consider the Benz Gullwing, works well with your table, arm and will do so with the E-03.....there are other cartridge too but consider one's with a slightly lower output. The 66dB of gain from the E-03 is slightly high for the 0.6mV Delos.
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Thanks Jeff. To answer your question imprecisely I love the detail, black backgrounds and transparency of the Delos but I find it a bit clinical. I don’t want colored but more musically involving sound and tight bass. From my other components you can see I’m a midrange maniac. I also look for great imaging. So, as always, I guess I want it all. I’d love to try a Micro Benz but I can’t seem to find one. Can you recommend sources or alternatives?
 
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