Transfiguration Phoenix vs Ortofon Cadenza

 I am a dealer for all of the above products so take it for what you will. I have the proteus and an Axia currently on the Avenger with 12" 3DR and the proteus is a very neutral yet crazy realistic sounding cartridge. Kinda a pain to mount though without the suggested mirrored finish protractor. The Axia is crazy dynamic and catches some of the realism that the proteus offers. It is also one of the easiest to mount with its different design. I had a Cadenza red and a cadenza bronze on the table last week. The red is a very nice cart for the money, doesn’t keep up with the transfiguration realism but is very pleasing. The bronze I felt was a little dark sounding with the 3D arm. Still sounded very good but just a touch dark. The black I have heard many times on one of my customers HRX’s and while he really liked it he eventually purchase a Proteus. I felt like the black was a better match for the 3D arm than the bronze and offered nice dynamics with a good amount of realism.

Transfiguration Phoenix is more dynamic and more musical. 

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!