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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.

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xkevemaher

Showing 2 responses by dover

dover
2,178 posts
 

@kevemaher 

You are looking at upgrading the wrong component.

Your Micro Seiki DD40 is simply not good enough for any of the cartridges you are currently using or proposing to buy.

You would be far better off getting a new turntable which will resolve more and provide a better foundation for any cartridge you purchase.

Start by looking at a Rega P8 or P10 package - it will easily outperform your current set up, even using your existing cartridges.

dover
2,178 posts
 

Primarily better tonearm - new, much higher quality bearings. The better the tonearm the more you get out of your cartridge. I am familiar with the 505 - I was a high end distributor for a few years and personally owned some of the micro TT's and arms including the 505. Very good arm, but everything wears out, particularly bearings.

The early DD micros are quite grainy sounding to my ears. If you prefer DD then get a new one with more advanced speed control systems than what was used on the 70's & 80's.

Basically a $500 cartridge on a top level TT will outperform a top level cartridge on an average TT. doesn't have to be a Rega - I just suggested that as a starting point. There are plenty of others such as SOTA, Feickert, Kuzma at various price points.

From 30 years of distributing high end audio and setting up 100's of high end TT's my advice - start with a better TT. Both of your existing cartridges, unless they are worn out, are capable of much more. I've also owned and or set up both of your existing cartridges.

The ZYX, if it has a family sound tends to neutral and resolving. On of my personal favourites is the Omega, it does sound a little fuller through the midrange compared to models above and below.

Why don't you find a dealer and ask them to demonstrate a very good TT ( $4k up ) with one of your cartridges mounted - the Shelter would be best since the Koetsu is less neutral. Find out for yourself. 

 

 

 

 

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