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Ortofon Exchange Scheme: An Ortofon moving coil cartridge may be traded in against an equivalent (or superior) model and qualify for up to 25% discount off the cost of the new cartridge (25% based upon the cost of the cartridge to be traded in or current equivalent, please get in touch to find out how much your cartridge can be traded in for), up to 30% of the value of the new cartridge.
The Cadenza Series of high-end Moving Coil (MC) cartridges was born out of the success of Ortofon's Kontrapunkt and MC Jubilee models. Though these models are amongst the most popular Ortofon has ever produced, the Danish cartridge masters still decided to develop a new range that was even more ambitious.
The name Cadenza comes from the Italian word for cadence, and refers to the section in a concert where the orchestra stops playing, leaving the soloist to play alone in free time without a strict, regular pulse. A Cadenza can be written or improvised, but it's usually the most elaborate and virtuosic part the solo instrument plays during the whole piece. It therefore seemed fitting that such a capable and nuanced cartridge series should use the same name.
By carefully implementing cobalt-iron pole pieces, using new improved winding processes on the armature, and employing an extruded aluminium housing - amongst other changes - the Cadenza Series is able to out-perform all those that came before it. Like other modern ranges, the Cadenza Series is structured in Ortofon's preferred colour-tier nomenclature; so there are Red, Blue, Bronze, Black and Mono (White) variants available to suit varying budgets and tastes.
As with all modern Ortofon ranges, the third cartridge in the Cadenza Series is the Bronze model. The Cadenza Bronze is a premium cartridge that boasts a Replicant 100 stylus and a conical aluminium cantilever. The coil wire used is the famous Ortofon Aucurum wire, which is a gold-plated version of the popular 6NX copper wire. A Field Stabilizing Element (FSE) is used for optimal linearity, especially during complex crescendo passages, making this cartridge perfect for classical genres.
The Cadenza Bronze is a true high-end reference cartridge, conveying music with supreme precision, impact and dynamics. Its stereo imaging capabilities illuminate the farthest corners of the soundstage in all three dimensions, creating an uncompromising, involving performance.
I bought this cartridge as an upgrade to go on my Clearaudio Performance DC. The Cadenza Bronze sounds absolutely lovely. The sound is very detailed but presented in a relaxed and natural way in a very three-dimensional soundstage, It manages to be warm and relaxed at the same time as being clear and punchy, with great dynamics. Overall it just makes me want to keep listening to record after record.
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The Cadenza Bronze cartridge has impressed me greatly with its 3-dimensional presentation. Wonderful separation of instruments, I am able to pick each one out clearly during busy passages. It is a well balanced cart, with crystal clear highs which are never harsh, full midrange and deep well defined bass. It tracks very well with no inner groove distortion. Gary recommended this cart to me to pair with my Pro-ject Xtension TT, and I am glad he did. Highly recommended.
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