Difference between ZYX 4D and ATMOS

Gsparsons sums it up nicely. The Atmos and 4D ARE different - they have different prices, different looks and different names.

It seems pretty clear that current ZYX owners are not interested in buying replacements under the new pricing policy from the new distributor. I've heard the Universe and it is quite good. What I'm curious about is after Mehran's supply runs out, to which brands of cartridges are these owners going to migrate?

I will migrate toward the new cartridge(s) sold by Sorasound.

I think Mehran's 'truth about 4D' is less 'evidence' than 'his understanding.' I do not think it is proof. If, however, the mfr was willing to receive money to relabel one cart as another when they were not the same, that says a great deal about the company.

If anyone has listened to both, they could tell us. If they are the same, what has anyone gotten other than a moral victory? If they are different, how serious is that? I have yet to hear of anyone who has bought a 4D or an Atmos and been disappointed.

And in the end, it does not matter. The 4D still exists (for the moment). It is what it is and it costs what it costs. If anyone wanted an Atmos, you can probably still get one from Mehran. If you wanted a 4D, you might have been able to get one from Mehran before, but not anymore. However, you can get one in the US from the new distributor/dealer network. If they are different and the 4D is better, then so be it. If they are the same and more expensive - it is no different a situation than all the other carts in the line which will be more expensive.

One thing for sure: I was tempted to try ZYX out after i'm done with a MM fever (namely with Clearaudio Maestro, Stanton 981 LZS, Nagaoka MP-500) , but with this economy and the new, higher prices across the ZYX lineup, i dont even have the urge to do that at all. Not anytime soon.

Nice rationalization, T-bone. Moral victory? How's that when we all vote with our dollars? This issue really comes down to who one feels they can trust. I'm sure KY Audio would be very happy to sweep all of this under the carpet. The NEW Audiogon is willing to do whatever the paying advertiser demands.