Cartridge Upgrade Advice:

Of your potential choices, I own two. The Cadenza Bronze did not last long on one of my arms, as it sounded nothing like the Kontrapunkt C I wanted it to replace (I ended up getting the KC re-tipped). The Sussurro MkII does not sound like either of those Ortofons: it is warm and musical rather than cold and clinical. I liked it well enough to step up to a Hyperion. The Hyperion is giving my other two favourite cartridges a run for their money (a London Decca Reference and a BM LP-S).

I use a tubed phono stage (NuVista Vinyl), pre-amp (Wyetech Ruby STD) and power amps (Quad II/forty), and electrostatic speakers (Quad 2905). Music is around 50% classical, and the rest is rock and folk rock.

If it means anything, I'd happily sell the Cadenza Bronze, but I'm keeping the Sussurro for when the Hyperion needs a re-tip.

Thank you.  You certainly have contrasting cartridges in the Decca and the Benz!  The Decca is almost too real for my tastes in vinyl. The Benz seems very mellow.  The Hyperion fits right in the middle of your high end range and is intriguing to me.  I was never sure about the cactus needle cantilever.  I didn’t include it because it was outside the artificial price limit I set. What model of Hyperion do you have?

Larsman

Thank you for your response. Can you comment on the Hanna Umami Red sound in your system and whether you think it might work for me over the others?

dogberry:

BTW the SS Zephyr MIMC that I own and love is shockingly similar in character to the Hyperion mk II (albeit a little less open/airy).  Definitely a similar “vibe” and DNA.  Obviously no cactus spine.  So I could see progressing in that direction but was maybe hoping for some contrast. 

VPI Classic user.

Addition to your list- consider the Audio Technica ART20. Go ART1000 if you want max your budget for $10K+reference level. The current price is $6K.

I'm like a  broken record with ART recommedations😂

Now using a recently acquired Lyra Delos. Used ART9 and Kiseki Blue.

"Goldilocks"cart choice is difficult to decide.

AT for performance/value. Lyra is everything good you read in reviews.

Soundsmith carts are great. Why not go up the foodchain? I would have the Straingauge setup if I had an uber setup.

My emergency cart is SS Otello that's been in service before the Lyra Delos took over. "Best" $400(now 600) cartridge Ive spent in the audiophoolsihness game.