Windfield Cartridge

I like a fat midrange, and I suppose what would typically qualify as a "warm" sound for MC cartridges. In the past I went down the upgrade road of: Kontrapunkt "c" => Jubilee => Windfeld. I loved that "c" and felt that the Jubilee "upgrade" was a complete mistake; I then immediately proceeded to the Windfeld, which was obviously technically superior to the other 2 carts (resolution, bass, speed, etc) -- in fact, it's quite astounding and thrilling the first time you hear this level of competence. However, I still missed the warmth, midrange, musicality, and forgiveness of the "c". Especially when the speakers I owned at the time were a tad bright, and the TT was also less high end and less dial-in-able than my current Innovation Wood + Graham.

I ended up selling those Ortofons and running Koetsu Platinum (very sparingly; only for "primo" listening sessions) for the next 4 years. Obviously, the Koetsu are significantly warmer than any Ortofon. To my ears, the Kontra "c" and Cadenza Bronze are what I consider neutral, while the Jubilee/Windfeld are slightly bright/analytical, and the Koetsus are all various shades of warm. Other ears would categorize the Jubilee/Windfeld as neutral, the "c"/Bronze warm, and the Koetsu as overbearingly warm. Someone else categorized the Windfeld as warm, and based on my past experience I'd hate to encounter a cart they consider bright -- we all have different systems and preferences :)

I've upgraded my TT and speakers in the last 2 years -- I still have the Koetsu, and they still sound amazing, but are possibly just a bit too warm in the new ecosystem. More recently I've been trying out a very nice Cadenza Bronze, which has now finally been dialed in to make a really wonderful sound. It truly hits my ideals of neutrality and musicality -- but then, some of the subtle refinements and details of the better (more expensive) cartridges (including Koetsu, Windfeld) are missing. That said, it's hard for me to imagine a more ideal match for typical pop/rock recordings than this Bronze -- and these comprise a significant portion of my music collection. The Bronze features a great balance of resolution, liveliness, and forgiveness.

I now grapple with whether to give the highly rated Cadenza Black a shot (an improved Jubliee...and it would need to be improved for me to like it), or even to give the Windfeld another chance. However, given my past experiences, and how neutral my ears now find the the Bronze, I worry whether I'll hit the same upgrade frustrations all over again. I don't think so, but then again it would be a fairly expensive trial.

Mulveling, I have not heard the Cadenza Bronze but by all accounts it is a fine, essentially neutral, cartridge with a dash of warmth. If the Bronze seems ideal to you in your system, then perhaps the Black would be less ideal.

I didn't found the Jubilee "slightly bright/analytical" - in fact I thought the Jubilee was slightly reticent in the highs though quite well balanced overall. The Black has more clarity and energy in the highs (more like the A90) but never 'bright'. Note that I've used Harbeth speakers - 3 different models - for the past 8 years and they have a rather smooth top end balance.

I find the Black to sound quite robust and realistic with acoustic instruments and voice - which is important to me - and I thought the Jubilee was similar though without the same overall clarity/transparency and liveliness.

In a nutshell, if you're expecting more warmth from the Black vs the Jubilee I don't think you'll find it.

Mulveliing....did you ever investigate the Benz LPS MR? Sounds like the perfect answer for you. Theres a good one for sale on AudioAssylum.

Stringreen -- I've definitely flirted with idea of Ruby Z or LPS, but never dove in. It's not a bad idea at all, but the last few years' supply issues made me more wary.

I started out in analog with a Glider L2 (GREAT starter cart) and also later tried a Wood M2 and Ref 3. At that time I was comparing against the Kontrapunkt a/c, which were clearly the better technical performers at their respective price points, and I preferred the Ortofons. That said, the Benz carts do have a nice musical balance with a touch of warmth in the midrange (I did wish their treble was cleaner). If the higher Benzes maintain that Benz sound combined with technical abilities beyond that of a Cadenza Bronze, I would certainly like that very much!

Mulveling...If you're really interested, I have one you can try out. Let me know