Cartridge help: Ortofon Cadenza vs. Soundsmith Paua

I've heard great things on the Strain Gauge as well, but also out of my budget.  I do favor warmer cartridges, so not sure if realism of Soundsmith (which I've heard others talk about too) tends to mean dead neutral.  

EKIMG, what do you plan on listing your Cadenza Bronze for?  I can get a decent discount from my dealer on the Cadenza since I bought my Avenger from him (as well as the Paua), so may or may not be interested.  

"Price point" cartridge?  I don't think a $3800 cartridge or a $2300 cartridge is "price point"cartridge  nor would the majority in high end audio IMHO.  The Soundsmith is a Class A cartridge.  So unless I put a $8,000 cartridge, I'm wasting the Avenger?   

Just in case there is no confusion, I did NOT order the Avenger Reference (the $21,000 Avenger with Mag Drive).  I ordered the Standard Avenger which retails for under half the price.  

My system is:

VPI Avenger
Zesto Andros 1.2 Phono Stage
Primaluna HP Integrated Amp
Sonus Faber Olympica 3 Speakers
Wywires Platinum Cables

The other issue with putting a more expensive cartridge on the table is what led me to the Avenger in the first place: the ease of adding 2 arms.  By the time I add a second arm with tower and another excellent mono cartridge, it becomes difficult to put all the money into one cartridge.  I need to spread it out.  Really, the only other option in the VPI line from the Prime is the HRX or Avenger.  There will soon be a Prime Signature out, but it will be a while probably. I'm also trying to keep some sense on this for me personally.  Some may have no issues with spending that much on a catridge, and we all have to draw the budget line somewhere on certain things.  Music is very important to me in life, but it is not the only thing.  An extra $3000 is a lot.  The main reason I sprung for the Avenger is a got a pretty good price on it.   I can live without getting every ounce out of my gear.  I won't let that diminish my enjoyment of the Avenger.  But if others want to go with the a premium price point on cartridge, more power to you!  To each his own.  But price is no indication of performance - one thing I've learned in this hobby.  Cartridges are some of the most subjective things in systems.  I personally don't like lyra cartridges at all - just no my cup of tea.  So I'd rather have a cheaper Ortofon more suited to my musical tastes/preferences than a Lyra that costs 5x the amount.  Just an example.   

Thanks jPerry and tablejockey.  I will look into your recommendations.   I actually preferred the stock EL34s the best in my Primaluna.  I sacrificed some expansiveness of the soundstage and detail, but the midrange was too good to pass up for me.    when it comes time to replace, I may look to try some others out there.  

thanks, stingreen.  I think that was mentioned on the VPI forum quite a bit.

Yes, my dealer also recommended the Transfiguration, which he is a dealer for as well.  He has an Axia that I may demo on my table.  I'm with you jmcgrogan2, the lyra carts are not my cup of tea at all.  

infection,

I've heard the Delos and Kleos.  

I understand what your saying, and it comes down to semantics and terminology.  I was ok with liveliness and dynamics, which is why I stated "overly dynamic and overly lively" is my original post.  I have to disagree with you about the system causing the listening fatigue without the possibility of it being the cartridge.  We all have preferences and every cartridge brings something to the table.  Some cartridge are overly dynamic but have  a shrillness/brightness on top that can be overbearing to my personal tastes.  This is why I stressed these points in my cartridge search.  

I have decided against the Ortofon Bronze, and am looking at the Transfiguration Axia more and more now as well.  I'll let you know what I decide on.  Thanks for your feedback!

Great stuff, table jockey.  The Kiseki was on my list too, but talked with a friend who had the Kiseki and he thinks the Transfiguration will be more to my taste (he owns the Transfiguration Proteus on a VPI HRX table).  My dealer has a demo Transfiguration Axia he is going to send with my Avenger next week.  I have a couple weeks to try it and see if it is what I'm after.  If so, I'll order one.  If not, I will look to the Soundsmith Paua or the Kiseki.  Thanks for the help. 

I demoed the Transfiguration Axia from my dealer in my system, but ultimately decided to order the Soundsmith Paua.  I'm currently breaking it in.  Thanks for all the suggestions and help.