Help in deciding between these two cartridges for an upgrade

@tablejockey 
I am glad you mention the Apheta!  I forgot I actually got a very low hour Apheta 3 with my RP 10. I already had the Benz for several months and was used to that sound and tried  the Apheta. It was very bright to me and I didn’t care for it so sold it while it was still at its peak value to help offset the upgrade of the RP 10. From your experience this would push me towards the Kiseki. 

dhite71-

If you do have the P10, I would ensure playing ANY cartridge is being presented in its best light-phonostage at the MAX of your audio budget.

After that, If I were in the Rega camp, ALL in with the Aphelion. Yeah, $5K but if you’re commited to Rega(P10) that just what you do!

I’m wondering if a different(tubeor SS, im a tube fan)phonostage would have gave you a different perspective on the first experience with the Apheta. Or perhaps it wasn’t the latest iteration? We audiophools have too much choice! Good luck.

Late edit:

I took a peek at your setup. Nice simple layout and solid gear. I'm assuming you're using the onboard phono section, so perhaps other with experience will chime in on just how much more a stand alone phono stage will bring out of your final choice.

I had noise issues with a Cadenza Blue on a Rega table.  There was a hum that is not present on my current AVM table and wasn't present on my Art Audio table so it is definitely not the phono stage of cartridge.  Just thought I would mention this issue.  Not sure if it was a systemic issue or just something with my table and cartridge but thought I would mention it.  

Dear @dhite71 :  All these are very good alternatives for your excellent system you own, yes some over your 2K target

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa8gdg-van-den-hul-colibri-xgp-lw-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa9gca-van-den-hul-colibri-stradivarius-xgw-koa-wood-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa9c0j-ortofon-cadenza-black-mc-cartridge-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a2i7-benz-micro-lp-s-cartridges


Next cartridge by AT is way way better quality performer that what its humble price can " tells ".

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-art9xa


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

@tablejockey

Yep, I am using the integrated's phono section.  I heard the differences/improvements as I climbed the phono ladder to end up at an Audio Research REF Phono 2 prior to getting the GSi75.  I also had a REF 3 and REF 150 to round out that system.  I considered keeping the REF2 Phono but honestly was shocked that I didn't hear much of an improvement compared to the on-board phono.  It still surprises me and I would like another listen, but that is long gone.  I suspect one day I will return to separates but likely several years away.  Trying out another phono would make sense as I would have that head start on the move back to separates.  The REF 2 was gone by the time I got the RP10 + Apheta 3 so only heard that from the on-board phono.  

@rauliruegas

Thanks, I have always heard nice things about those cartridges but they are a stretch.  I mentioned $2k not as a budget but as the MSRP of those I was targeting.  I hadn't considered the AT brand, but will take a closer look.

@verdantaudio

Noise issues are a nightmare...good to know and hopefully that was an isolated issue with that particular cartridge.