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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.

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Showing 1 response by dentdog

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dentdog
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Thought I would pick this up as having recently purchased the ZYX Ultimate Exceed Omega and running it in, and believe  me if you doubt break in process is real this will make you a believer, I would say for me, in my system, the Omega is a goldilocks performer

 Lean, warm whatever, the cartridge has presence. Bass is there, voices to die for. Best "they are here" heard in my system to date and I've been chasing this just like most of you. ET2 arm and as to resonances non existence. My previous experience is somewhat limited, Fuuga, Airtight Supreme, Krell 100 ( Miyabi). Will be checking out the Allnic Amber to compare once Brian Walsh makes it by next month to set up a new Kuzma arm. JMO of course.

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