Best matching phono stage with Zyx Universe cartr.

We've been using the ZYX Universe with our preamps (MP-3 and MP-1) for the last two years. The cartridge has proven to be one of the best tracking cartridges we've heard- on the Triplanar I've yet to encounter an LP that will produce even the slightest strain- the image is as stable as tape (you will only know what I mean by this if you have heard a good analog tape system) never with even a hint of strain.

The MP-1 plays the cartridge easily, with the phono noise well below the noise of the best LP surfaces, the MP-3 definitely has a noticeable hiss, although it too is below the surface noise of the LP, but only by about 6 db. We rate that phono stage at 0.3mV and the ZYX is actually at 0.24mV, so that's not so bad.

In either case, the sound is very relaxed and detailed, but we find that the Triplanar is essential as the VTA adjustment yields big results.

We've had customers that have ZYX cartridges that have had gret success with Audia Flight Phono which is made in Italy. You can read more about this phonostage at this link: http://www.musicalsounds.us/rss.php?id=9

this is an incredible and very flexible phonostage and you can use it with ANY phono cartridge.

It has 74dB gain and impedance can be set for any cartridge without a problem.

Good Luck,

I am using my ZYX with an Aesthetix IO Phono stage and Audio Research Ref 2 Mark 2 line stage with fantastic results. I tried many other cartridges even Koetsu and ZYX wins hands down.

Having not tried the Alaap, I cannot say, but with the Artisan the Universe makes beautiful music. Occasionally the Artisan can be found used and at that price it is a bargain. Beware to those who only want to own equipment which weighs a short ton because that proves it is well-built - the Artisan does not weigh much at all. At the same time, it "weighs" nothing in the music either.

Its a whos who of phono amps above and i am not surprised. ZYXs UNIverse is so good that it makes the PA i believe. Any way i'm using Tom Evens Groove Plus SRX and could not be musically happier. And as Atmasphere has described above using a Triplanar with UNIverse is analog heaven. The combo is distortion free for the ultimate in sound.