Kiseki Purpleheart

Well I have to say that Upscale Audio took care of my PH issue and processed an exchange without question. An excellent company and customer service crew. I decided to go with the Sumiko Celebration 40 as a replacement since the specs were relatively close and first impressions are exciting as it’s breaking in. It doesn’t seem as warm as the PH yet not quite as detailed as a Kleos. A well defined, crisp  mid range & excellent high end. I did lower the gain by 2dB to warm it up a little and the bottom seems respectable without being too overpowering. All said, after 10 hours of break in time, NICE!

This is a very helpful thread and truthfully,  the PH was on my short list but no longer due to the quality issues mentioned.  The Cadenza Bronze took it's place.

FWIW My short list is:

Miyajima Saboten

Hana ML or Unami (a little price difference between the two)

Ortofon cadenza bronze

:

Of all the cartridges mentioned here, and there is not a klinker in the lot, the Kleos would be my pick. The only fly in the ointment would be the tonearm. @krelldog what tonearm is on your table? If it is VPI's unipivot arm I would consider changing that before getting a new cartridge. VPI now makes a gimbal arm that is a direct replacement but there are many other great arms you could mount with a little cleverness. 

+1 @mijostyn

Of all the cartridges mentioned here, and there is not a klinker in the lot

The differences between the carts mentioned is mostly preference rather than performance.

Based on my research rather than direct experience:

Ortofon Cadenza Bronze - is likely the most used cart at audio shows - likely meaning it's a great all round performer at it's price point.

Hana are high value cartridges line built by many highly experience relatively large handcrafted established company who also manufactures some of the very best carts in other product lines.

Purple Heart - IIRC is also a high value cart that competes with Koetsu per frugal VPI founder Harry Weisfeld

Lyra Kleos seems to be neutral, detailed, fast, and maybe quiet

Soundsmith - cheapest cartridge retipping at ~20% cost of new.  Paua seems musical.  Founder and President Peter Ledermann extremely knowledgeable and friendly.  

The original Prime turntable redefined and polished with a new fit and finish and improved performance. Upgraded with HW-40 feet, 3D Gimbal tonearm, and new machined top plate with additional bracing and isolation. The Prime 21 @color tunnel is bringing 2021 in on a high note.