I am a 30 year Koetsu user. When it came time to choosing a new cartridge I decided to go for am ortofon cadenza bronze. I may be in the minority but I really think the cartridge is meh for the price. The lower treble is dry and makes female voices grainy especially on a revealing system. There are so may factors.
I ended up with a soundsmith paua MK II that was on sale for half price and therefore the same price as the cadenza bronze. Much more liquid without any loss of detail seperation of voices and instruments is crazy. Much more detail and much bigger Soundstage. It speaks to me. YMMV. but for me no comparison. I am firmly in the moving iron Peter Ledermann camp now. The value is unbelievable as well, soundsmith will rebuild this 4k cartridge for 650 dollars wher Koetsu would charge 2000 for a 2500 dollar cartridge.
I ended up with a soundsmith paua MK II that was on sale for half price and therefore the same price as the cadenza bronze. Much more liquid without any loss of detail seperation of voices and instruments is crazy. Much more detail and much bigger Soundstage. It speaks to me. YMMV. but for me no comparison. I am firmly in the moving iron Peter Ledermann camp now. The value is unbelievable as well, soundsmith will rebuild this 4k cartridge for 650 dollars wher Koetsu would charge 2000 for a 2500 dollar cartridge.