What cartridge on your VPI prime?

Hey John if you want I'll trade you, the 2m Black with fit as is:).  Let us know how you like the Cadenza Bronze, it's on my radar.  

checkout the thread and consider the Audio Technica ART 9.
I have one on my VPI Classic.

You obviously have the gain enough for very low output, so the ART 7 will save you a few more bucks AND may offer a bit more performance over the ART 9, as its output voltage is lower.

Either choice, your unlikely to experience buyers remorse when you drop the needle on a favorite album.

Maybe THE best cost/performance LOMC @ $1k. I’m among many who have tried other carts in the 1K price point and beyond.
Users of uber carts say it is the the same class a 3K+ carts.

There’s a huge price gap in your cart considerations-Orto Black/Rega. If I had that latitude in cart purchase power, I would get the Kieseki PurpleHeart AND put a tubed phono stage on deck as a future upgrade.

Happy Listening.

I'm using the Ortofon Winfield...with smiles. 

I look at the Winfield but I don't see myself putting the smile anytime soon lol.

Kinda depends on what music you listen to .