ZYX Omega or UNIverse?

I appreciate the responses. Is the UNIverse much different in character from the Airy 3xSB? I owned the Airy for a few months but felt it too lean in my system at the time. Of course, I've changed just about everything since so that experience of the Airy might no longer apply but it always sounded a little glassy to me.

At the same price-point is the Benz LP-S. Any thoughts on it v. the UNIverse?

Thanks again, I get the picture. Like I said, I *have* changed everything for the better (yes, actually everything) so the UNIverse would likely be a better fit than the Airy was.

The chain is now Phantom II/Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Steelhead II (as a linestage until a VAC Phi Beta arrives)/Bryston 28B-SST2/PMC IB2i. It is far more balanced sonically than the earlier system, which tilted toward the glassy itself.

Any thoughts on how the UNI compares to the A90, which I own and like?

Syntax: thanks for pointing out the review. I just read it. Seems like a very impressive cartridge, indeed. In know you're a fan of the Phantom II. Do you find the UNI t mates well with it?

I might have to take the plunge while it's still available.

Syntax: Glad to hear about its synergy with the Phantom II.

Perhaps part of my issue with the Airy 3xSB had to do with the Graham 2.2 I was using at the time. I just read dougdeacon's review of the Airy 3 and 2, in which he concludes:

"The Airy3 is more energetic.... It was too much for the Graham 2.2, however. Despite all efforts at damping the sound was a bit edgy. As usual, it’s all about synergy."

"Edgy" is perhaps a better adjective than "glassy" for what I experienced. In any event, I'm in a different sonic reality now, one that's likely better fitted to a ZYX.

Doug: many thanks for your reflections. I just spoke with Mehran and I'm close to pulling the trigger on a UNIverse. They seem to be back in limited production, which is good for all.

I had the VAC in house briefly before some noise revealed itself in one channel of the phono stage--a capacitor jarred loose in shipping, apparently. It's now being repaired by VAC. My first impression, gleaned from merely two sides of an LP, was that I preferred it to the Steelhead but I'll need extended time to tell for sure. As a line stage the VAC is stunning. I finally understand what it means for the soundstage to be illuminated from within.

Best,
Bill

I'm used to finicky. The Replicant stylus on the A90 is something of a spoiled cat, demanding and imperious but worth the effort to win over. As a general rule, where have you settled for VTF and VTA (relative to level) for your UNIverses?

Gotcha. Thanks.

It is an excellent cartridge. Glad you found one and you're enjoying it so!