I have joined in the ZYX Family


Funny how change comes about. I’ve been intending to get a tube preamp for years 10-12 years. Instead, I got a tube amp which sounds great. . Tube amp with SS preamp sounds GREAT. FWIW, the SS Preamp was a Stereophile Class A Conrad Johnson PFR. So, its not like I was shooting in the dark. The PFR is a really good preamp. And the Bob Latino ST-70 seems to be a great fit along with the Silverline Sonatas. So I set out to get my turntable up to its optimum. I have a Teres 340 which has an Origin Live Illustrious 3 with Benz Ebony L cartridge. I put the OL Illustrious on it as a temporary arm. I figured the Teres deserved much better. But Maybe I am wrong. It sounds great. However, being an audiophile, I can’t leave it alone. So I set out to get a new tonearm worthy of the Teres 340. But then someone reminds me that a cartridge will make more difference than a tonearm upgrade, especially since the tonearm is a pretty good one. . So I consider the idea and come across a ZYX 4D for a good price. Thank you Raulirigueus(sp) for the idea. In the process, I saved some $$$ too. I’ve wanted a ZYX for quite some time. NOW, I see what all the fuss is about. This cartridge is fabulous. Next up is to clean the electric. Oneac seems to be a good way to go. But, who knows. My plans often go sideways. But I’ve really made some big steps forward thanks to some good advice and the good Lord above who over rules my ignorance. FWIW I often pity those who miss the beauty of good music. I love it. Thanks for your help along the way.
128x128artemus_5

Showing 10 responses by artemus_5

This cartridge is addicting. 

Racedoc, I'm probably only 1/2 gr from the 25 now. Thanks for the info.
Chakster. I hear you. Two things I'll point out. There are more ways to replace Zyx than through Mehran I bought mine used (200 hrs) at a ridiculous low price. The owner, another audiophile, bought a Universe at a great price and only had this mounted for 4 months. Then, there in Mr Juki. I'm aware that Zyx has changed from the early days where their cartridges were reasonably priced. I'm also aware that 2k hrs is a lot of hrs.

IE, I kept a close  count on my Benz cart (bought new) by tracking the number of album sides. I figure 20 minutes per side avg. I bought the cartridge in 08 or 09 (I believe) I just counted up the hrs on that cartridge. It was 325-350 hrs. 350 is adding 25 for overage.  I did take a 3 yr hiatus. But I was surprised that the number was so low. But it was. Even if I added 20% (25 minutes per side) to that number, I am only at 425. Thats a long way from 2000. So I'm not concerned
Buying anything without a warranty has risks. Some aren't willing. Some are. Thats why used equipment is sold daily. But not all buy used. My budget required me to buy used. Or owe a lot on credit card, LOC, etc. Everyone has their own set of priorities. I don't take undue risks. But everything in life has its risks. 
Lew. I was shocked at the lack of hours on my Benz. My post above shows how I tracked the time. So, yes, 2000 hrs is quite a long time. I don't play for hours every day. But I listen to my fair share of vinyl and yet my cartridge has at the most 350 -400 hrs in about 6 years. 
One month later & I'm still enjoying the 4D. Playing with the loading now. 100 was good. 470 opens it up with more air. But its too disperse. IOW, sound stage is without good focus on some albums. Guess I need some resisters to make some loading plugs. 300 will split the difference. 100 & 470 are both good....but not optimum IMO

FWIW, I haven't tried 47k which I ran my LOMC Benz  Ebony L at with great success. However Benz is setup to do 47k. From what I have read, Mr Luschadek recommended trying 47K.
Thaluza & racedoc. Thanks for verifying my observations. I haven't played around extensively with the loading. And I only have 100 & 470 ohm plugs at the time. I had more but apparently I sold them with the SUT which I sold several years ago. My Benz loved the 47K loading. So I will try it.  Some albums are well suited for the 470 ohm. They hold the sound stage well and have a better air and larger sound stage. However, the 1st album I tried (Boston, "Don't Look Back" 1st pressing) sounded like the music was coming from everywhere on the front wall. The sound stage was huge. But there was no focus. FWIW, that album is recorded well.

I have some RCA plugs. I just need to find the resistors now. Got some of them somewhere too. The problem with being retired is that I have some of most everything yet I have a hard time tracking it down.
Chakster, I can only tell you what I heard. I was happy with 100 ohm loading. But since the recommendation was higher than 100, I tried the 470. My post above notes my observation
@atmasphere

Thanks for the explanation. I have read about stability of the phono preamp but did not understand what I read. You made it clear. I ran my LOMC Benz without loading. I thought  it was due to cartridge design. But IIUC, it indicates a stable phono stage (JLTi).  Guess I'll try the 47K.

"One additional point- when loading the cartridge, you are making it do work. This stiffens up the cantilever, changing its tracking characteristic- it will be less compliant;..."

The info above clears up the misconception that loading is for the cartridge.  I have never heard this before but I know you are knowledgeable of this. I have previously read that Mr Luschadek  (Benz Micro) recommended trying to run the Benz cartridges at 47k. Thus I thought it was due to his cartridge design. But I see now that he was figuring that the customer may have a stable phono stage. I suspect the only way for a layman such as myself to know if it is stable is to try it. Is this correct?
@chakster 

The JLTi is a great bang for buck phono stage. I've had it for 8 yrs or so and have never felt the need to upgrade. FWIW, they are still available though they are now made by Joe Rassmussen in Australia. He was Allan Wrights partner, associate.
Chakster

Why use a SUT? Doesn’t yours have the loading plug & switching for LOMC? I saw that Joe is building the Mk2 version rather than the Mk4 which is what I have. But I’m not sure of the features on it. I could tell that he (Joe) is very much into modding equipment. Quite interesting