I’m selling something quite special. This high-end moving-coil cartridge has been at the heart of my system for many years. I bought it new in 2017 to replace my first Cadenza Blue, which met an unfortunate household end. It is that good – I simply couldn’t live with anything else.
My experience with it:
Reviews of the Cadenza Blue are spot-on. It delivers detail, space, and air in a way that transformed my vinyl playback. It was one of the single most satisfying upgrades I’ve ever made.
Sale Details:
- Item: Ortofon Cadenza Blue MC Phono Cartridge
- My Price: R12,000
- Retail price: ±R50,000
- Collection in Parktown North, Johannesburg preferred. Shipping could be arranged at your cost and risk. Installation assistance available via HFX.
Condition:
- Approximately 400–500 hours of play.
- Professional inspection confirms the stylus and suspension are in very good condition, with no stylus wear visible under magnification (see photos) and an estimated lifespan of around 1,500-1,700 hours (official specs are more conservative).
- Used exclusively on a Linn LP12 with Ekos tonearm, always set up correctly (tracking force, VTA, etc).
- Played into a Valve Audio Whisper phono stage, set to 100 Ohm loading.
- Records were wet-cleaned or brushed before play.
- Supplied in the original Ortofon box, with headshell leads and stylus brush.
Specs: https://ortofon.com/products/mc-cadenza-blue#specifications
Important note: Since this is a moving coil (MC) cartridge, you’ll need an MC-capable phono stage, step-up transformer, or specific MC input on your integrated amp or preamp.
Reviews:
- https://www.audio-activity.com/ortofon-cadenza-blue-en.html
- https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ortofon-cadenza-blue-cartridge/
- https://www.hifinews.com/content/ortofon-cadenza-blue-£1000
Buy-back & peace of mind:
Although out of warranty, Ortofon offers a 50% trade-in on these cartridges toward a new one (facilitated by HFX Systems, the official distributor). So even if you later decide to replace it, you’ll still be well ahead, as this price is under 25% of retail.
For someone looking to step into serious MC performance at a sensible price, this this offers exceptional value.