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 second cartridge in the Cadenza Series is the Blue model. The Cadenza Blue is a high-quality cartridge that boasts a Nude FG 70 stylus with a very thin ruby cantilever. The improved winding process of the armature ensures better channel balance than any model that came before it at the price. The styling is the same as adorned by it’s kin, and the build-quality reflects Ortofon’s 100% commitment to a reputable product, and happy customers.
The soundstage of the Cadenza Blue is wide, open and grandiose as soon as you take it out of the box. Micro dynamics and ambience will be evident when listening to complex compositions creating a full and involving performance. The Blue also reaches a very high degree of detail and positioning. It is a true to the music cartridge with a tremendous clarity.
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