Ortofon Cadenza Black
 

Today I ordered an Ortofon Cadeneza Black cartridge for my VPI-HRX TT

Thanks for your input both Dan & Jeff! :ok:

http://www.gtaudio.com/cuts/cadbla-l.jpg

Congrats! I look forward to your review on it. TT carts give me the biggest "buyers anxiety" of all audio gear. lol

Ivan.......I think you will be impressed with the Ortofon Cadenza Black. It uses the Shibata tip on a boron cantilever with Ortofon's dual damping system, the same system used on their Windfeld and A90 moving coil cartridges. I am just getting my Cadenza Black broken in. It's mounted on the SME 309 tonearm with just over 100 hours on it. The Cadenza Black sounds open, airy, and dynamic. It has a rich solid bottom. I listened to Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather last night and it trumps the CD I have of the same recording. I am using the moving coil phono stage in the McIntosh C1000C/P preamplifier and the combination is impressive and quiet. The Ortofon Cadenza Black likes 50 to 100 ohm loading depending on the album. Being able to adjust the phono cartridge loading with the remote control on the McIntosh C1000C/P preamp is a joy.

I am looking forward to the Esoteric sound system coming together. I expect its performance level to be right on par with your other fabulous systems. An all Esoteric system is a nice departure from the other systems you have built. The Ortofon Cadenza Black on the VPI turntable is going to be a great performer. I am excited to hear your impressions.

Thanks for the loading tips Dan... I'll document the system's build out as usual with loads of pics! :thumbsup:

Ivan.......Really looking forward to the Esoteric system built out and the photos. I know you will leave no stone unturned.

Ivan.......You see that little ridge on top of the Cadenza Black. That's Ortofon's ingenious idea to aid in cartridge azimuth adjustment. When setting up the turntable you use the Fozgometer and the test record to check azimuth, then by tweaking the cartridge screws on each side the azimuth can be set perfectly. It works like a charm and I was able to dial my Cadenza Black in perfectly.

That's a great looking cart. I can't wait your feedback to see what I missed as I finally decided to be sensible and get the Blue instead

George.......The Ortofon Cadenza Blue is the MC cartridge I am considering for my Micro Seiki turntable. Any comments on your experience with the Cadenza Blue?

Dan, I'll install it next week and I'll report back on my experience. So far, I can say that the packaging is very well made

Any more user updates on your Cadenza Black?
I've been jonesing for an A-95, but they are priced out of my league for the moment (more saving needed), so found a 'deal' on a Cadenza Black. Due to previous commitments will likely not get it mounted, adjusted and into the system until the end of Sept.

Need another headshell for the CB, and am toying with the idea of an Orsonic AV-1B just because they are 'cool' looking.
https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...1&d=1559156268