Second Cartridge With Transfiguration Phoenix


I use Phoenix with Graham Phantom tonearm over Acoustic Solid Royal TT (ARC Ref 2 SE phono stage). I really like what I hear bur decided to get a second cartridge with a second tonearm (will be Graham Phantom II Supreme) on the second tonearm plate with my TT. I am currently considering from a list of Shelter Harmony, Koetsu Onyx or Azule Platinum, Airtight PC-1 Supreme, Ortofon PW. My listening preferences are neutral, organic sound with a deep and wide soundstage, I do not prefer a specific bandwith dominating the test, I like details without sacrificing musicality as one can get why I like Phoenix. Of course one may either find a cartridge having similar sonic clothing with Phoenix while improving its virtues or alternatively can try to find a very different sound as complementing a neutral sounding cartridge like Phoenix, which I am not decided what to do. I will appreciate from current users or ones who have experience with those cartridges and if they were able to listen to some of them with the same setup. Thanks for your help.
number95

Showing 5 responses by dougdeacon

I second Jmcgrogan2's thought on the ZYX UNIverse II X-SB. It meets your description ("...neutral, organic sound with a deep and wide soundstage, I do not prefer a specific bandwith dominating the test, I like details without sacrificing musicality...") quite well... and a lot more. It's also known to be a good match for a Phantom. There's a review by my signature.

It's quite different from Koetsu, since it avoids the willful midrange colorations that line is noted for. I've A/B'd with the Onyx Platinum (or other models) in at least five systems and have always preferred the ZYX, at least for my tastes. For reference, I'm largely a classical and opera listener plus a little jazz, with a liking for original/authentic instrument recordings. Natural/lifelike reproduction with zero sonic fakery is my first priority.

Haven't heard the Harmony but compared to almost any ZYX my Shelter 901 sounds alot like a whoopie cushion. ;-)

UNIverse II retail is around $8500. If that's above the budget, the ZYX 4D provides 80% of what the UNI2 does for quite a bit less. Check with Mehran at SORAsound. One of the nicest guys in audio... bends over backwards for his customers.

Also consider Dynavector XV-1T (haven't heard it, but the XV-1S is pretty creditable, though lacking the UNI2's last degree of finesse, harmonic refinement and tonal purity).

Disclaimer: Mehran and I are friends and I occasionally assist his customers with cartridge questions and setup issues, for which I may receive a small consideration. The last 3 such people thought something in their system was broken. It proved to be nothing but small user adjustments which I talked them through, so the consideration was properly earned.

The UNIverse II is a current production model. All UNIverses are exclusive to SORAsound, I imagine that's why it's not on the ZYX site.

The exclusivity is Nakatsuka-san's way of honoring Mehran for providing the seed funding, as noted in my review of the original UNIverse.

Anyone interested in a UNIverse should contact Mehran at www.SORAsound.com. He sells direct in North America or via authorized local dealers in other markets.

4D is good, very good, but UNI2 is in another league. It has no peer that I've heard when it comes to finesse, clarity, tonal purity and low sound floor. It has the 4D's big dynamics too, maybe more so. Arthur Salvatore's review described it well too.

As for the Omega, I've heard it. ;-)


The local ZYX distributor can order from Sorasound if he wishes. There are many non-American UNIverse owners, including several who participate on this forum. Good luck with whatever you choose!
Number95, glad you've formulated a plan, which seems sensible and should teach you a lot about whichever cartridges you try.

One caution: Raul's first post correctly mentioned that the Graham might not be the optimal tonearm for lower compliance cartridges. IME that is true and (speaking generally) Koetsu's have the lowest compliance of the cartridges you're considering. They may not perform at their best on a Graham.

I'm not suggesting you change your plan. A stone body's higher mass will help them play better than a wood body. Just be aware that what you hear depends on the arm as well as the cartridge..

Enjoy!