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

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

Lose those speakers.

it was great volume synergy before dropping to lower efficiency speakers...

Think so, too. With your amps I would use Electrostats.....I know, there are very strong tube amps out but see it with a car explanation, a low efficiency speaker is like a fat car, for example a Mercedes 500, your amp is like a strong engine. When you accelerate, all is fine but when you drive small, curvy rads with a lot of speed changes, the MB500 can do that but it is work and you will feel, it is not made for that. Same engine in a car with half weight (= a high sensitive speaker) and all those accelerations, curvy driving is easy like breathing. You have much more fun with driving, or with listening to subtle details. OTL are a match for Stats (or Horns) based on their Design. Here you get the best out of it.

Normally are Zyx carts durable, but a defect Arm kills every suspension. I did never trust Triplanar for example, my choice is Graham Phantom.

You're using OTL's with 84db speakers? Why?

I never understood the point of low efficiency speakers. They put such demands on the amplification chain that sonics are bound to suffer. Show an amplifier an easy load and it'll dance or whisper or roar, as the music demands. Weigh it down with inefficiency and difficult impedance levels and, well, it just won't.

A pair of Krell monoblocks could drive those speakers easily... but you'll never hear what a UNIverse is capable of through a SS amp. Time to re-assess your priorities?