2. analog
  3. 165837-93199

Help in deciding between these two cartridges for an upgrade

I have been very happy with my Benz Micro Wood SM.  I have had it on two Rega turntables with several different amp/preamp/phono combinations.  They were all Audio Research tube components.  I now have the Audio Research GSi75 which has two gain settings:  45db & 63db.  I use it on the high setting now with 0.8mV from the Benz.

I have had my eye on two well reviewed cartridges that are both about 0.4mV

Ortofon Cadenza Bronze 
Kiseki Blue NS

There isn't anything specific I am trying to achieve, simply have the upgrade itch.  Now with a Rega RP10, an integrated amp and my Wilson Sophias there isn't a lot to change other than the cartridge.  My previous cartridge was an Eroica LX that had the Sapphire retip service from SoundSmith.  The move to the Benz was dramatic.  I would want the next move to be as or more dramatic for the investment.  Both of these seem to be at the peak of 'bang for your buck' in the $2000 bracket.

I listen to mostly classic rock, jazz, folk/singer-songwriter, pop, blues and R&B.  

Thanks for your thoughts!Dana
dhite71
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
"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."

dhite75-

My guess is your existing setup is very good as is. If you keep AT carts in your final choices, the ART 9XA is the way to go if you have 62 or higher MC gain. If not the XI @.5mv is the alternative.  . AT carts to my ears have the entire sonic spectrum turned a couple notches up. If your system needs that AT definitely should be considered. I use both.

Kiseki to my ears is closer to having an overall tone control at the middle detent on a classic tubed receiver from the 50/60's if that's your taste. That's mine.

No bad move either way in my experience. I have all all tube(integrated)  to speakers as you, just separate phono.
nmmusicman
276 posts
 
The new Benz Micro’s with the MR stylus is downright killer. I have a Wood SL MR running into a Sutherland Little Loco that slays my Soundsmith Sussorro mk ll. 
Of course, once one jumps off the voltage gain phone stages and converts to current gain stages all the fiddling with loading/gain goes out the window and a new panorama opens up. 
dhite71 OP
331 posts
 
@nmmusicman Well, that is a good way for me to redirect my funds to a patio and leave the stereo alone!  You know, I have been having my doubts over the weekend since I did love the move to the Benz.  It was a $1600 cartridge new so I am basically in the same price bracket here.  I understand that a different design could offer someone advantages even at a lower cost and I will never know that until I try something else.  

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.  I learned of a couple more nice options here from your input so now it is on me to decide.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
LP Tunes has the Art-9 for sale at $999.00. Its a great cartridge that performs way over its price point. I loved mine until the cleaning lady snagged it with her dust cloth ... after I told her not to touch anything beyond the speakers.
https://lptunes.com/collections/cartridges-hifi/products/audio-technica-at-art9-phono-cartridge?vari...

Whoops ... I just noticed that LP Tunes is sold out of the ART-9s. Sorry.

Frank

More to discover