I don't have the audio reviewers vocabulary to do justice in describing my ZYX Ultimate Exceed 100 cartridge. My table is a highly Hot Rodded VPI Prime Prototype with a TriPlaner tonearm. I have to say that the ZYX is highly resolving with just enough warmth to still be open and natural. I think my arm and table combo are "high quality" enough to let this cart sing without being hindered. Detail, speed, bass, accuracy, are on the mark. I always get a sense of hearing what's in the grooves, nothing more, nothing less. I have no doubt that moving up the ZYX line will give incremental improvements, but that doesn't interest me, my listening isn't super critical. I already feel like I have "arrived". Good luck in your audio journey.
ZYX "House" Sound
I am searching for a different sound in my system. I'm currently using the Shelter 901 MkIII and the Koetsu Rosewood Signature. I consider both to be on the warm side of neutral. I'd like to find a very good quality cartridge that is a bit more neutral. I don't want "clinical". I cannot cope with cymbals that sound like white noise with emphasis on the upper octaves. System is: MS DD-40 (2 tables), SUT using the Cimemag 1254 Tranny, Paragon Model E tube preamp (used as a phono pre) and Musical Surroundings Nova phono pre, Levinson control amp, Bryston 2.5B cubed power amp, Revel bookshelf speakers and HSU sub.
I've been seriously considering ZYX for my next cartridge. There are reviews of the top and bottom of the line ZYX cartridges, but little in between. I've contacted Mehran at Sorasound. Based on my budget, he suggested the Ultimate (Exceed) 4D or the Ultimate (Exceed) Omega.
Not many reviews for these mid-tier cartridges. Is anyone familiar with the sound of these cartridges? Does ZYX have a "house" sound? I'm not concerned by the naming confusion nor any of the other negative comments I've read. They're not constructive. I really want to understand where the ZYX cartridges fit in the cool to warm spectrum. There may be other brands to look at, and I'm doing that. This post is about the ZYX sound.