New cartridge - Benz Micro or Ortofon Cadenza?

I've had the Benz Wood M2 and a Ref 3 (low output, copper coils) in my system a few years ago. I've also had an Ortofon Jubilee (predecessor of Cadenza Black), MC Windfeld, and Kontrapunkt c (predecessor of Cadenza Bronze) in my system around that time. And I also had a Cadenza Bronze for a day, a couple years back.

Out of them all, the Kontrapunkt c and Bronze had the best mix of neutrality with a touch of organic, natural warmth. The Jubilee and Windfeld were more analytical and left me kinda cold. The Benzes had a fun sound, but weren't as clean/smooth as the Ortofons (especially on top), not as extended, and had higher noise floor. It also seemed like parts of their response were a bit hyped up to give them this kind of "fun" sound. However, the newer "S" class Benzes are said to be a substantial improvement, and I've not heard those.

I enjoyed all these carts, but the Kontrapunkt c and Bronze were my overall favorites, despite the Windfeld being technically better (also, the Windfeld's bass response is insane; easily the best I've heard). Now I've happily run a Koetsu Jade/Onyx Platinum for a few years. But I really like that Bronze (wish I hadn't sold the Kontra c). Sometimes I wonder if I should just buy a Cadenza Bronze and not worry (as much) about $ cost per hour.

For what it's worth, the Bronze just simply continues to amaze me. I don't pretend to be a cartridge expert by any stretch, but the Bronze caused me to immediately go out and buy about 30 various jazz vintage albums, order 50 new anti-static album liners, and sort through much of my record collection. I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that spending any more money on CD playback is a fool's game. I've always preferred vinyl to digital playback, but now, even the convenience of CD vs. vinyl isn't enough to cause me to consider digital as anything more than a source for background music. The Ortofon is really really good.

Markmendenhall congrats on the ortofon bronze. I have heard it on 2 very expensive systems at audio shows and it did not disappoint. I have been using a Jubilee for several years and love it. If I stay in the ortofon line, which I most likely will, I will consider the bronze or black.

I am leaning towards the black because it sounds like a closer relative to the Jubilee. The slight warmth of the bronze makes me slightly hesitant. Although, it sounded awesome on the systems I heard it on...

Funny, the lack of warmth I had with the Jubilee makes me hesitant about the Black ;) Though I have a friend running a Jubilee; he loves it and he swears it took a lot of hours for it to fill in.

Some of it may be the difference in tables, but the Cadenza Bronze sounded cleaner and closer to neutral than the Kontrpunkt "c" I had. It's really just a touch of warmth, which I consider to sound very natural. Honestly it was very close to my Koestsu Jade Platinum (I've also got an older Koetsu Onyx, and the modern Platinum models are WAY more neutral than the reputation Koetsu has from its older models).

I wouldn't be surprised if the Bronze/Black were tonally much closer than their predecessors. From the little feedback I've heard (Ortofon doesn't get much attention like other brands), the Black is amazing.

Anyways, back to the OP - rest assured that is you liked the L2, you have at least a few choices that are going to be a BIG step up from that!

Mulveling you make a good point "a touch of warmth, which I consider to sound very natural."

I like that as well, the only hesitation I have with cartridges is the inability to hear in your system, on your table with your tonearm, in your room. So once you commit you are locked in. I have heard the bronze on 2 incredible systems as I mentioned and they were both IMO best in show. Obviously the whole is the sum of the parts.

Maybe I put the bronze back on the list for when the Jubilee poops out, though it still seems to have plenty of life fortunately.