Ortofon Cadenza Bronze w/tubes

[Maks]

I think I've narrowed my choices down on a cart upgrade to the Cadenza Bronze. One thing I seem to read quite a bit about is the cart's warmth, is anyone pairing this cart with a tube pre and/or amp? The table is a VPI Classic 2/3 hybrid with a 3D arm and I'll be going into my C2300. This Bronze/VPI combo seems highly regarded on the VPI forum, although in my research I've read a few people who felt the cart with tubes was a little over the top in warmth. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Thanks.

[audio bill]

The Bronze is only a touch warmer than the Black, which is a bit more detailed or ultimately revealing depending upon your perspective. I don't find it too warm to be matched with tube gear, but it's all very subjective and YMMV applies. You really can't go wrong with either of those Cadenza models, both offer exceptional quality and value.

[mtroo]

I am considering different cartridges for my soon to be delivered VPI Avenger.

[Maks]

I considered the Black, but my main concern there is the relatively low output for my C2300's stage and I'd rather not spend $1,000+ on a SUT. I've read many reviews that favored the Bronze over the Black. I suppose I'd also be open to other suggestions for the VPI Classic in the same price range as long as a SUT wouldn't be necessary, but so far the Bronze seems like the best fit based on my research.

[jameslrock]

I have the Cadenza Black with the VPI Classic Signature to the McIntosh C2300 and have no issue with output regarding the phono stage. You have me curious now. Jim

[jdandy]

Steve.......I am using an Ortofon Cadenza Blue on my Micro Seiki DD-40 turntable with a Micro Seiki MA-505 tonearm. It feeds the moving coil phono stage of my McIntosh C2300. I am getting excellent results with this combination. I also use the Ortofon Cadenza Black on my Michell Gyro SE turntable with an SME309 tonearm the feeds the moving coil phono stage of a McIntosh C1000C/P preamplifier. Both are fabulous.

I have read much about the different tonality between the Ortofon Cadenza models and the general consensus is the Bronze is the warmest sounding in the group. I doubt the sonic signature is tipped much above what would be considered close to neutral. My experience with several other current production Ortofon cartridges has shown me there is much similarity between them, which to me is a good thing because the three I have direct experience with all sound very good.

An advantage available with the C2300 preamp is you can tailor the sound of the moving coil phono stage by changing tubes in order to achieve different results. I use Gold Lion ECC83/B759/12AX7 tubes in my C2300 line stage and Telefunken ECC803S (12AX7) tubes in the moving coil phono stage. By changing the tubes in line stage and/or moving coil phono stage you have the option to dial in a sound that will please you.

[Maks]

FWIW Bob at Bob's Devices recommended a SUT to be used with the Black and the C2300, though of course he makes and sells SUTs so maybe he has a slight bias

Dan, I use the Gold Lions in both my line and MM stage today in the C2300, that's a good point is that I could always tube roll. I might just be overthinking the whole warmth thing, I imagine either way it'll be a welcome step up from my 2M Black which I think is a great MM cart.

[mtroo]

When one considers a dedicated phono preamp, do they generally have a built in SUT, or is this something that is usually going to be a separate endeavor?

[scirica]

Interesting conversation. I've moved up from the Cadenza Blue (really a modded Red) to the A95. I certainly wouldn't describe the A95 as overly warm...It is quite "lively". And that's with Gold Lions in the MM phono stage. [emoji41]

[mtroo]

Originally Posted by Maks

FWIW Bob at Bob's Devices recommended a SUT to be used with the Black and the C2300, though of course he makes and sells SUTs so maybe he has a slight bias

Dan, I use the Gold Lions in both my line and MM stage today in the C2300, that's a good point is that I could always tube roll. I might just be overthinking the whole warmth thing, I imagine either way it'll be a welcome step up from my 2M Black which I think is a great MM cart.

Does anyone have any info regarding Bob's Devices? Quality? Value?