Zyx Universe. O.24 mv vs .48 mv with low eff spkrs

To summarize what I think Doug and Syntax are saying, don't do it. If your phono stage had sufficient gain for the 0.24 version of the UNI in the first place, then you will gain nothing by switching to the 0.48 version, and the latter is not as good sounding. If the phono gain was never sufficient, by criteria described by Syntax, then you may need to have it modified or replaced. If you really think you have a bad bearing in your tonearm, then first and foremost you need to have it fixed or replaced.

Lewm, that's exactly what I was saying.

Further, I'm confident that Tom's Doshi Alaap (phono + line preamp) has (or at least had) ample gain for a .24mv ZYX. You heard the UNIverse/Alaap combo at the home of our mutual friend and your neighbor, Michael K****. I'd wager that inadequate gain and dynamic compression were the furthest things from your mind.

Something's clearly amiss, but we need more info.

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@Audiotomb,

Try this experiment: reduce your VTF drastically... like to 1.30-1.50g. If the cartridge tracks cleanly and dynamics open up, your supposition that the cartridge suspension is giving out is confirmed.

thanks guys for the insights

here is what happened and why I was questioning my options
Do I choose more volume (but less resolution in the zyx) or higher output stage?

How much less of a cartridge is the .48? thanks for your comments and experiences

I didn't know just how big of a difference the .24 and .48 would be musically and really appreciate your insight. I love the resolving power of the .24, can't give that up

the more volume part of the equation is that the Salk Soundscape 10s are 84db efficient and I have to have my Doshi in the top several clicks to get sufficient driving volume where you really separate out things. It wasn't a problem till I switched to the lower efficiency speakers. The Doshi is a step down attenuator so it isn't clipping being near the top end of it's range.

In addition woofer pumping takes a lot of wattage away from the music and makes a hard load to drive

The cartridge is on a triplaner arm - I was fighting woofer pumping for a while. With help from Richard Gray locally, Doug Deacon, Mehran and Thom Mackris of Galibier we were able to isolate this with a feather test. A feather should be able to lift a properly functioning arm. The arm bearing wasn't working and so the cantilever was doing all the up down motion and causing subsonic woofer pumping and damage to the suspension.

Tri totally reworked my arm and all was well the last year. The pumping has returned but the arm is tracking correctly vertically.

I believe the cartridge issue is one of two things
The suspension has finally given way from all the arm rigidity abuse or I was not properly using my magic eraser, just barely lightly rubbing slowly from back to front (Richard Gray freaked out). He showed my how to dip the cartridge in the eraser a few times instead.

Universe II - tis tempting - ouch on the price. I've read all your reviews on it Doug and I listen to a broad range of music from the period piece chamber ensembles we both love so well, symphonies, acoustic jazz, rock, folk, everything really. Especially acoustic instruments in space. I play upright bass and my son is in several symphonic groups

Tell me more about Andy Kim. Does he work on ZYX?
Maybe the cartridge can be salvaged.
Perhaps sending this back to Mehran is in the cards

You have a number of wise responses here. My question is about the sound at the high end of your volume control.

1) Does being so high on the attenuator create any sonic drawbacks? Added noise, feel like the system is running out of steam, straining too much?

2) Do you ever want to crank the volume beyond the highest setting you have available?

If the answer to these questions is "no" in both cases, then get that cartridge looked at and fixed or grab another .24 mV ZYX.

If the answer to either of the above questions is yes, then I personally would try to address the gain issue somehow other than by getting the HO cart. Do you use an SUT? You could get one that gives more boost to the voltage. Otherwise, I'd think about adding gain either in the phono stage, preamp or power amp.

1) no the Doshi behaves very well at the top end

2) getting close to wanting to, it is usually just enough for my louder listening, but I have to use a hi watt amp (Van Alstine 600r)

it was great volume synergy before dropping to lower efficiency speakers

think we have the answer
the move to the .48mV is too high a drop in performance
deal with the volume issues another way