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Cartridge help: Ortofon Cadenza vs. Soundsmith Paua

I recently ordered a VPI Avenger with a 12" 3d arm and need help choosing between the Ortofon Cadenza (bronze or black, though I'd lean toward the bronze because it is the warmer of the two) vs the Soundsmith Paua.  My preferences are for a sound that is not overly detailed, but smooth through entire range, warmer side of neutral, wonderful midrange, and not overly dynamic, lively, detailed where listening fatigue can set in.  

I've previously had a VPI Prime turntable and Ortofon Quintet Black.  It certainly wasn't bad but have been hearing wonderful things about Soundsmith.  My phono stage is the Zesto Andros 1.2, so loading and gain should not be an issue with either.  
djfst

Showing 3 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,769 posts
 
The Avenger seems to be a "bargain" in the realm of super tables. 
I have a Classic with  an Audio Technica ART 9 that I'm quite satisfied with. If my system were a notch up the food chain, I would get the Avenger.

While I have no direct experience with either, a "bad" choice is unlikely. Having heard several SS(Voice, Sussurro,SG)carts & the Orto Bronze, my ears side with the SS carts. IMO, the SS carts offered a little more realistic/natural performance. Very believeable
presentation on both ends of the sonic spectrum. Of course, this is subjective and "YMMV" prevails.

The Paua doesn't seem like much of a "downgrade" from the Sussurro. With that in mind, I would consider the Paua.

Off topic, I find the SS  Strain Gauge in yet another league. If I had a system $$$ on that level, I wouldn't hesitate to get a Strain Gauge setup. Happy Listening
tablejockey
3,769 posts
 
"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"

djfst-The  nice thing is the mag drive can always be on the upgrade list. 

I believe I mentioned this in another thread you started..Have you read the thread on the Audio Technica ART 9? It may be the "sleeper" cart of the year. Owners of 3k+ carts are declaring the ART 9 competes with the best.  I won't be replacing mine anytime soon. Also, since your Zesto will support it, the even lower output ART 7 may have more of the neutrality(although I don't hear the 9 as bright or warm) you require. 

Off topic once more..The rest of your system certainly is impressive.
 I have the PL HP, and it won't underserve just about ANY source you plug into it. You are aware the overall sonics  can be changed with different power tubes and the 2 inner preamp tubes? Do you have EL 34's or KT 88-120? 
tablejockey
3,769 posts
 
Djfst-I see you're  still on your quest. Another cart worth considering is the Kiseki. 
Recently heard the $3200 Purlpleheart on a VPI Avenger plugged into PL separates @ The Show in SoCal. This was the distributors
room-Upscale Audio. Their room always sounds great. 
I heard a very convincing/realistic presentation with no emphasis 
on either end of the sonic spectrum.

Not mentioned earlier regarding the "value" 1K ART 9.
HW  has acknowledged it a good match for their arms. Other than comparing the 2 on my system with 2 arm wands, I can't imagine hearing even the $1200 difference of the lower end Kiseki Blue vs the ART 9? Keeping in context of the entire system, with your setup that difference possibly more significant.
Mine, not so much.


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