Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, Blue, Black

Cadenza's are good value. But i highly recommend you to listen transfiguration, lyra, zyx, dynavector cartridges.

Black is the best performer between cadenzas, i choose red against blue, becuase its more lively sound. Bronze maybe the sweet spot. it is lively, detailed and kind of neutral enough.

Thanks you both for your opinions. Bill K- Nice to hear that the Bronze is quiet in the grooves, as I have owned carts which I can't say the same. I think it's one of those ignorance is bliss things until you hear one that is quiet. Then, there's most likely no going back. Can you leave just a general comment on the tonality as you hear it in your setup.

I moved into the Cadenza Bronze from an Audioquest 7000 which was an OEM model from Scan Tech, and known as being a bit lean but very detailed. Comparatively the Bronze has better dynamics along with a touch of warmth in the midrange and a sweeter high end, but the tonal warmth is subtle and not overwhelming. Ortofon's neutrality and excellent tracking are still in play, with only a slight amount of tonal richness added.

I have read reviews in Hi-Fi World from the UK where the reviewer auditioned the Cadenza Blue, Bronze, and Black. He concluded that if he had to select his one "desert island" cartridge to live with it would have to be the Bronze due to its slightly warmer and more musical balance.

I recently purchased the Black to replace to replace my heavily used Jubilee. The Black is outstanding on all types of music. I posted a short review here.

Has anybody listened to the Cadenza carts, and the Benz carts to make a comparison? I was looking at a Bronze, but went with a Benz L2 without hearing either one prior to making the choice. Just curious.