ZYX Airy2-X-SB on Graham 2.2

Question to Dougdeacon et al for advice.
Moved back into vinyl after a 20+ year hiatus a couple years ago. I am seriously thinking about upgrading my Benz Glider to a new cart (Is the Benz too smooth?). Before going on, I'd like to thank Sirspeedy for the comments on the Graham tonearm set up. Much to learn about this tonearm and maybe I've overdamped my arm.

Considering ZYX Airy2-X-SB or Airy3-X-SB for my Graham arm. Doug suggests that the Airy2 may be a better match. I assume that he used a copper wired Airy2 to match his tonearm.
1) My Graham has silver wiring, so what kind of difference do you think the internal cartridge wiring will make?
2) Has anyone compared copper vs silver internal cartridge wiring with the Airy2 and Airy3, in terms of compatibility with the Graham arm?
3) Would I be better off keeping my Glider for another 6-12 months to save for a UNIverse?
4) Any further insights and recommendations?

Thanks,

Kurt

Dear Larry (et al),

Thanks for the recommendation towards waiting for the Universe. Must be something very special! Still trying to weigh the Airy2 and Airy3 options.

Musical tastes run the gamut from 1970's Rock n'roll to Jazz to Classical. Occasionally even a good romp through cross-over country. Older music; Steely Dan, Dire Straits, early Elton John, Boston, Supertramp, Floyd, Zeppelin, U2, Peter Gabriel, Chicago, Eagles, etc. Newer music, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlin, (female vocalists tending towards Jazz), John Mayer, etc. Jazz includes both older Bill Evans and Ellington plus newer Gruisen, Ritenour, etc. I have a number of my Dad's old LPs from the 50's and 60's. Not into dixie and not into rap. Classical music tend toward chamber music, piano concertos, some chorale and symphonies. Generally speaking, just listen to the music and enjoy.

Vinyl front end includes a Graham 2.1 with ceramic arm, Michell Gyrodec SE and Glider 2 cart with ASR phonostage. I'm using my HT processor and multichannel amp as I have to share the family room with the family. Our spare room was turned into a kids playroom. I'm hoping to get a 2-channel room again this year, but will replace my old 2-channel gear. Considering a choice of adding a 2 channel preamp with HT passthrough. Silverline Audio speakers across the front.

Like the smoothness of vinyl and tubes. Etched hurts my brain, so I probably tend towards warmer. Detail is nice but not at the expense of wincing pain. It can be fun to hear the clinking of glasses and coughs in the audience. Struggled with digital for many years and tubed digital helped but tend to listen to vinyl when I listen to music at home. Hard attacks and broad dynamics without saturation are important with some music, but I tend toward music for relaxation. I guess that I know it when I hear it. I can't quite say that I'm an audiophile. Lover of music, yes. Audiophile, I don't think so. Granted, my goal to bring the band or performer into my room. I've experienced the reach out and touch the performer a few times and they are the times that I relish the most.

Thanks for the help.

Kurt

Spencer,

What's your opinion of the Airy3? I was heading down the path of a Airy2 or Airy3 but Larry's comments about the UNIverse have me in a dilemma. Spend now or save for later (Enjoy now or really enjoy later?).

Cheers,

Kurt

Larry,

Sounds like I should wait for the UNIverse. Hopefully, it will come with a new listening room?! Then again, I may not be able to afford the UNIverse if I get my listening room. Maybe a Airy2 or Airy3 now is better than a Glider in the new house?

Decisions, decisions.

Kurt

Larry,

Point well taken on room acoustics. Unfortunately, the room has a large RPTV between the speakers to accomodate the family's video needs. I cover the TV with blankets when listening which helps. Not perfect but better than a sharp stick in the eye.

Thanks for the advice. Kurt