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ZYX cartridges

Can someone explain to me the heirarchy of ZYX cartridges? I guess I know that the Universe is top of the line (though the Atmos may be even more expensive). But beyond that there seems to be umpteen different variations of the Airy model, called "2", "3", etc, with silver vs copper windings, etc. Since these are said to work well with my Triplanar tonearm, I am thinking of making a purchase, but I am completely confused regarding their product line. Thanks.
lewm
oscilloscopium
32 posts
 
Do you have read the very long description made in Mr. Arthur Salvatore website about sonic differences of Fuji-Airy2/Airy3/Universe from Zyx?
In my opinion it's a fantastic rewiev in deep about sonic strenghts, matching with tonearms and related problems like VTF or tonearm mass. I'm only not completely agree with him about the supposed great superiority of low output versions, please take a look! It will necessary a long night to read all pages but it's quite interesting.
ciao from Italy!
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Ok, Redtop just earned the nickname "Bong Boy". :-)
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Despite his colorful English, if you listen to Rock music, I will have to agree with Redtop. It is difficult to beat a Shure V15 III for Rock music at any price, especially on a SME 3009 series 2 arm. But I don't know where you can find a new stylus for it so it is a moot point now.
lewm OP
6,770 posts
 
Redtop, I now see your problem. You have been listening to "ZXY" cartridges and comparing them to the Shure V15. Everyone knows that those ZXY products are not so good. Here we are talking about the ZYX product line, any of which should blow away a V15 on any kind of music, as long as the associated electronics are capable of dealing with the lower voltage signal from a ZYX. I'm joshing with you, of course, but herein may lie the reason why "this guy" and/or your brother have gotten the impression that the Shure is better. The ZYX low output moving coil cartridges deserve high quality phono electronics and excelent speakers in order to realize their potential. If we knew the preamp, amp and speakers that were used in that comparison, it might tell the tale.
markd51
741 posts
 
Redtop might be referring to me, I run a VPI, and have a Denon Table as well.

Well, doing a comparo, my mint 35 year old Shure V-15 III with Jico SAS kicked the pants off of my Benz Ruby 3, and Airy 3, and will give Doug Deacon's ZYX UNIverse a "real run for the money"!

It will outrack any Cartridge on the planet, and since I'm such a nice guy, I "might" let this oustanding Shure go, as a special today, just for you A'goners for the steal price of $4,000. You don't want to pass this "once in a lifetime opportunity" up! I'll even throw in another 35 year warrantee to boot! Mark
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