reserve vta solves issue on zyx, triplaner

Could be other things too.

The first thing I'd check is VTF. As UNIverses build playing hours they need less VTF. By less, I mean less than the manufacturer's recommended minimum of 1.70g. Since crossing the 1000 hour mark my UNIverse/TriPlanar plays best between 1.45 and 1.55g.

The way to set VTF with a UNIverse is to keep reducing it in small (.05g) increments until bass notes lose weight and/or you hear faint mistracking or HF fuzz on really tough passages. Then move it back up in .01-.02g increments until the bass sturdies up, but not so high that you lose fine detail and jump.

Now adjust VTA. Start with the cartridge body (not the tonearm) level. Move up or down in small steps (10-15 on the dial) until you find the sweet spot. I've never known any ZYX that wants to be more than a little off level at most.

I'd also check cartridge alignment and spindle-pivot distance. Do you have a Wally or Mint protractor? If not, you should.

Something's wrong. There's no way you should have to lower the back of the arm that much with a UNIverse (or any other cartridge I can think of). I hope your fear about a deteriorating suspension is wrong.

SirSpeedy,

I'm doing this from work. You don't think I'd waste valuable toothpaste-packing time, do you?!

It was clear something was wrong, as I posted back on 10/1. Sorry to hear it was indeed an injured cartridge, but at least you're back and the music is too. :-)