Transfiguration Phoenix vs Ortofon Cadenza

Thanks, Guys

I ended up getting a package deal on a Cadenza Black and Bob’s Devices 1131 SUT that I’ll be running into the MM section of my Zesto Andros phono. The VPI will be going head-to-head with a Rega RP10/Apheta 2 combo that I’ve been running for a while. Should be interesting!

I’ve gotten enough good feedback on the Phoenix and Proteus that I may try one down the road.

Ignore the troll, above.  There is no single perfect cartridge, just as there is no best speaker or amp or whatever.  The Cadenza Black is a great cartridge and I'm sure that you will enjoy it.

Similarly, Bob Sattin makes a great SUT.  I'm not acquanted with anyone else who knows more about step-ups than does Bob. But... the Cadenza Black requires different loading than the other Cadenza models (10 Ohm), as does the Windfield, Anna and A90.  I usually recommend pairing the Cadenza Black with the Ortofon St-80 SE SUT.  If you already have the Bob's transformer, call Bob and ask if he can modify it for you.  It will sound good either way but it will sound better with the loading optimized.

Good listening!

Good info on the loading!

I got both the cart and step up from Bob, so if it requires any tweaking I'm sure he could help out.

At the moment, I've got the Cadenza going straight into the MC section of a K&K phono. In this setup the 40 ohm setting seems to work better than 10 or 100.

Just trying to get a baseline on how the Cadenza performs going right into the MC section of the K&K and Zesto before throwing the SUT into the mix.