VPI Signature Cartridge Ideas VPI SIg w/ Fatboy Unipivot arm

Years ago you posted on the ET thread that your first foray into SS, I’m paraphrasing, (sounds like the master tape) be this we as with a Star or a MI MC. Also, you mentioned buying some speakers,/amps that aren’t shown in your virtual system pages, even now.

Now you expect us to believe a history of SS carts since and now the Cadenza MC

Why change a cart that sounded like the master tape?

I'm using a Cadenza Bronze and it is by far the quietest in the groove of any cartridge that I've owned.  Several reviews of the Cadenza Bronze say something like "I listened well into the night". I concur with that observation.  It replaced a Paua BTW.  I've paired the Cadenza with a custom op-amp based phono stage that replaced a highly regarded tube based phono stage.  If the Cadenza is warm, then I guess it must be balancing out something else in the chain, because the sound I'm getting is neutral.  Detail resolution has taken a huge step up as well, mostly on account of the phono stage.  The Paua threw a wider soundstage, but the Cadenza's is a little deeper.   Cadenza's can be found on sale pretty readily.

My SoundSmith Sussurro Mk II is wonderful on my VPI Classic 3 Sig SE.

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 :(

Sounds like you have it pretty well figured out. Main thing I would throw out there is what you're willing to spend should be down to what you're willing to spend and not be constrained by the table. Another contender would be the Koetsu Black Goldline. Same output, and if you search around like I did can be had for well under retail. Would not exactly call it warm, though probably compared to many MC it is, but it certainly is forgiving of surface noise, at least compared to the Benz Ruby that came before.