Ortofon Cadenza Black Vs A90

Both are very nice cartridges and share some sonic similarity - but the A90 is heads and shoulders better in all aspects - dynamics - sound staging - tonal palette. The Cadenza Black is one of my go to cartridges for everyday use - demos etc and it never lets me down. The A90 is one of my all time favorites - as with almost any Ortofon cartridge neutral sound i.e. No coloration is the main trait of both.


Good Listening

Peter

Thanks for the info Peter. That's confirmed what I've read in a couple of reviews. 
Which cartridges do you like as much as the A90?

I'm using a Windfield which is (I think) a suped up Black......think it quite extraordinary...especially how its priced.  1000 ohms opens it up...very even and colorless.

In the same price category I'd suggest looking at a Lyra Etna, its a little richer sounding than the Ortofon A90, The Etna presents a more dense and robust soundstage.

Other options are the ZYX, I've had three of them The Universe 2 most recently, the Diamond, and a Airy 3 a while back.  The ZYX are very vivid sounding cartridges.


Best of Luck

Peter

Thanks Peter.
What's your view on the Lyra Skala? 

Have never tried one, but Lyra makes fantastic cartridges, used a Delos at a show a few years back, thought it was a excellent cartridge.  

I have in my own system an Atlas and an Etna.

Good Listening


Peter

I use a Cadenza Black with my VPI Aries 3 and am very pleased witht he audio response.  The difference in price between the CB and A90 does not make it a fair match.  I would expect the A90 to better the CB for the price.

Dear infection: If you can tell us about your today analog rig and what are you looking for, because you have three diferent threads about cartridges: diferent cartridges.

So, What are you looking for and your budget?, that's could help to some one gives you a better advise.

regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Sorry about that! 
I'm currently using a Roksan Xerxes 20plus with an Origin Live Encounter MK3C arm & pure silver cable. 

I suppose I want plenty of detail with excellent natural tonal attributes & very dynamic....plus everything else!
From my research a Dynavector XV1-S appears perfect but I can't afford it...!
I'm looking at excellent condition used cartridges with a shortlist comprising of -

•Ortofon A90
•Ortofon Cadenza Black 
•Lyra Skala 
•Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua

Thanks. 

If you like the XV-1S and TKR, also look for an XX2 Mk II.  You should be able to find that new at your budget without too much trouble.  It has a slightly higher output (0.3mV) than the TKR, so may be more similar to the A90 or XV-1S in your rig.  Like anything, it's all synergy so try and audition them if you can.

Good luck & happy listening!

Peter have you heard the Miyajima Madake. People say one of the best with Bambo cantaliever.

Thanks effischer...I have considered the DV-XX2 MKII & have read it delivers a lot of performance for the money.

Which would you guys choose -  a Cadenza Black with less than 30 hours for $1500 or a new DV-XX2 MKII for about the same price...?

jwm,

I've had the Miyajima Kansui for a little while, my friend Tom loaned this one, and I thought it to be a very nice cartridge, it had a "great" flow to it, kinda like the Dynavector XV1S.


Good Listening


Peter