Kiseki Purpleheart

I've used the Kiseki Blue on my VPI. Nice cart. Questionable durability though- I went through 2 of them. 1st one the stylus fell off. 2nd -left channel problem not covered by warranty.

SS Voice ES is worth investigation. I used the entry level Otello  for a short while, and was surprised with its pleasant sound.
Presently using an Audio Technica ART9, which I used before with good results..

I have the Kiseki Blue NS, it's my best cartridge.  Great tracking, no noticeable distortion, solid bass, clear but not "bright" treble. 

Disturbing to hear about those quality issues.  I've had mine since March with no issues. 

I owned a Kiseki Purpleheart, it's a great cartridge.  I agree with Big_greg that is tracks well has solid bass and not bright in highs.
You ask about alternatives, two others are MuTech Hayabusa and Air Tight PC7.  The MuTech is $4500.00 retail but I recently sold one for less than $3K.
The Air Tight PC7 is only $2500.00 retail and excellent.