ZYX Premium Cartridges

Not a direct answer to your question, but I used the older Airy 3 for a year and was quite disappointed after all the hype. Yes they are detailed, neutral and track well, but I found it quite flat and unenvolving. I changed to a Benz LP and all the drive and dynamics were there again. Just my experience, other's may be quite different.

I guess nobody buys these new Premium cartridges!

ZYX has had a history continual improvements over the years.

SoraSound pushes their own ZYX Universe models, and not these new models.

Anyway, I love the Airy 3 silver and copper coil versions.

As usual arm matching and setup matters. YMMV!

Well, they haven't been out very long yet. Certainly look forward to impressions, because I love my 4D.

Agree with David12 on his assessment that the ZYX's are not the most dynamic cartridges on the market after living with an Airy 3 for years. Even the 4d/Atmos doesn't have the swagger of the Benz's, Lyra's or Ortofon Anna dynamically. I think of these as the thinking mans cartridge versus someone who wants to be swept away by the gestalt music.

Zyx is for those who haven't heard a properly set up Lyra.

Maybe the "magic" starts with the UNIverse, because my indirect experience with that cartridge suggests it is uncannily true to life, mounted in a Talea tonearm. What tonearm(s) did you use, David or Sbrown?

Lew, I use a Graham Phantom and I've heard the Airy 3, Atmos/4D and Universe in both Grahams and Basis Vector arms. I have no doubt that the uni sings in the Talea - a friend has an Anna in that arm that I am enamored with.

Judyasblues - your snarky reply is a testament to your ignorance as there are trade offs with both the ZYX's and the Lyra's. Ones personal preference and system compatibility dictate which set of limitations one is willing to live with.

Judy oft snarks,
With vaporous pith,
Her curt remarks,
Of content aren't with.

<;^)

Doug, I like your smiley face better than the last line of your quartet. I am still trying to parse it, but I get the gist. Judy was just being provocative, I think. Judy, Judy, Judy, you are entitled to your opinion, however subjective it may be.

Or the guy you're with.
Right Doug?

I have a benz LPS and a ZYX Diamond Gold. Had the benz for a couple of years and love its musicality, it is really hard to fault, it is a very addictive cartridge. The ZYX on the other hand, well lets just say when the stylus hits the vinyl you know you are listening to something very special it is on a entirely different level, completely magical. I'm not real good with words but just wanted to add my 2 cents. Enjoy the music.

Judy is always provocative but her comments are rarely productive...

Lew, try parsing the last two lines together.

Judy's new sparks,
T'ward guy that I'm with,
Of eras hark,
That we do not mith!

Dick and Peter
Which is which?
It really doesn't matter
Because we switch

My experiences with Zyx cartridges reaveal to me a softness...a kind of unpretentious hiding quality.  ...a lay back, quality...a don't ruffle my feathers kind of sound.  They tend to be excellent cartridges when you live with that sound for awhile, but not really my taste.

You have not heard them broken in. They take at least 50 hours and then that politeness goes away.

Stringreen

Since you wear a hearing aid, your opinion on sound quality is worthless.

Don ....what makes you think I wear hearing aids??  I don't...  I play violin for a living.

@stringreen sounds good, could your recall some cartridges you preffer over zyx ? And do you think all ZYX sounds the same (which models have you auditioned).  

Stringreen

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/70/708599.html

You need hearing aids but do not wear them???

Also see post 1410472700 here on Audiogon. that you started on hearing aids.

Huh??