Help with Cartridge selection

Based on your stated preferences, I would eliminate the Soundsmith and Ortofon immediately.

In fact your tonearm, and system for that matter, deserve more than an Ortofon Cadenza.

IMO

Dealer disclaimer.

Gandme,

Yep, I'm thinking along the same lines as Bill, but it's not my money we're spending here. :-) (With your system I'd be thinking XV-1s, Orpheus L, Titan II, Benz LP, etc. but I understand needing to draw the line somewhere.) Even the Benz Glider may not be quite neutral enough, but I'm guessing what your tolerance threshold is. From your list I myself would stay with Lyra or Dynavector. ZYX might also be an option but I've lost track of that whole enterprise. Doug would perhaps have some input there.

You certainly came back to vinyl with a vengeance considering the setup you have now!

I have not heard the Delos, but, I am a big fan of Lyra cartridges (I own a Titan). They are invariably built to a high standard and last a very long time. The Delos has a reputation for being a touch warmer and more relaxed sounding than the Titan, which is probably compatible with your choice of speaker and amplfication.

I also have an Orpheus L, which is a terrific cartridge too. It is a little more prominent in the upper midrange than the Titan, and perhaps a little less open and extended at the very top compared with the Titan. I have heard the cheaper Transfiguration cartridge, the Phoenix, in a friend's system. That is a very good sounding cartridge for a lot less money. It is quite lively sounding and I particularly enjoyed it playing both cool and hard bop jazz.

I agree with Audiofeil and Dan_ed your TT/arm and your phono will point out the shortcomings of lessor carts. I would at least go to the Benz Ref S Copper in the Benz-Micro line, I had a Glider SM on another table and would never consider it on the Basis/Vector!!! I'd pick the "fullest bodied" cart I could afford between Dynavector and Lyra lines or the "budget" Ref S and go from there.

Dear Gandme: Very good analog rig " just to begin " with the analog adventure.

There are several alternatives including the ones you and other well regarded Agoner's already name it.

Being your first analog experience maybe is better that you can go to the MM/MI alternative that IMHO it is at least at the same LOMC performance level with some advantages that you will know over the time. Withs that tonearm I can recommend:

Nagaoka MP-50 and B6O MMC2 that you can find in NOS status here:
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=BOMMC2&Category_Code=B_O

or the Audio Technica AT-24:

http://www.pickupnaald.nl/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=4160

IMHO all of these cartridges can fullfill your quality performance targets.
Even are so " inexpensive " that maybe you prefer/can buy all!.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.