VPI Signature Cartridge Ideas VPI SIg w/ Fatboy Unipivot arm


I was hunting VPI tables and just found out that my amazing wife has selected for me with help from a friend, a lightly used VPI Signature w/ a 3D printed Fatboy-10- UniPivot arm and ADS; an early birthday present. 
My Setup is Tannoy Kensington GR’s, Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono block amps, Linear Tube Audio -Microzotl Preamplifier, and Graham Slee Revelation C -phono pre. 
Since the rig costs what it does I can’t see spending over $2300 on a Cart, but I also am leaning towards Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, mostly due to its warmth and forgiveness of snap, crackle and pop of older vinyl. I have had a 2M Bronze on a lesser table and it was more enjoyable than the SoundSmith carts I tried after. 
I’m also asking for ideas. Please share. 
jahatl513

Showing 1 response by mulveling

I used to have Kensington SE, lovely speakers. Currently own Canterbury GR. I know how it’s important not to push a cartridge or source with hot treble through these speakers. The Cadenza Bronze is great for this. I actually ran its predecessor, the Kontrapunkt "c", when I had the Kensingtons. Wonderful match (though I ran mine on a Fidelity Research FR64fx arm)! I actually tried upgrading to the Jubilee (now Cadenza Black) and Windfeld MC, and it didn’t work - too bright up top, too dry in the mids. The Jubilee was additionally too lean in bass, though the Windfeld had some AWESOME bass (I do miss that).

Though I’ve moved on to Koetsu and Shelter, I still own a Cadenza Bronze because I like having them around - just a great all around performer, not too hot on top but not lacking sparkle either, great dynamics and rockability, and yes with a touch of warmth and sweetness. It’s mainly a backup/background cart now because of the much more expensive Koetsus, but I still like it a whole lot and can get lost into the music almost just as well as with any Koetsu.

From what I hear, the VPI guys apparently love the Cadenza Bronze with their tables too. It shows up in product shots - like their limited edition leather table.

I love Koetsu obviously, and normally would at least suggest a look at the Black, but I’m not sure I’d recommend them on a unipivot (other than the Graham Phantom which is really a hybrid).

I also love my Shelter Accord, and think it’s even a bit better than the Bronze, though it costs a bit more too. But there don't seem to be too many dealers out there and almost NO info on it besides what I've posted myself :(