@pindac
the cadenza blue has a slightly larger soundstage and is a very good cartridge.
the ART9XA sounds better overall mainly because of how clean and refined it sounds. it also has a better centered image, better bass and more upper end extension. cymbals sound stunning. it also has a touch of warmth vs the cadenza dead neutral.
where the cadenza can sound occasionally slightly but noticeably strained and distorted, the 9XA never does this.
with the cadenza you would not notice it and think it was on the recording, blue note jazz for example, but once you hear the same music on the 9XA you realize it is more refined. this is similar to the original ART9, the refinement was the key element that made it a keeper but it does everything well.
the cadenza blue has a slightly larger soundstage and is a very good cartridge.
the ART9XA sounds better overall mainly because of how clean and refined it sounds. it also has a better centered image, better bass and more upper end extension. cymbals sound stunning. it also has a touch of warmth vs the cadenza dead neutral.
where the cadenza can sound occasionally slightly but noticeably strained and distorted, the 9XA never does this.
with the cadenza you would not notice it and think it was on the recording, blue note jazz for example, but once you hear the same music on the 9XA you realize it is more refined. this is similar to the original ART9, the refinement was the key element that made it a keeper but it does everything well.