ZYX R 1000 Sigma X - thoughts, comments, reviews

The Sigma was a diamond cantilevered model that predated the development of the UNIverse. It's rarely made or sold any more because the UNIverse outplays it (according to Nakatsuka-San) while being less expensive.

The 4D (I'm unaware of any other "4" model) is the same cartridge as the Atmos. Atmos is sold in the USA by SoraSound, 4D is sold in other markets by dealers who purchase from other distributors. There's no technical difference, just the name for marketing purposes.

The 4D/Atmos not the same as the UNIverse. Read the reviews of both cartridges beneath my signature.

94968,

I've never heard the Sigma myself and don't know anyone who has. Never even saw a review. It disappeared before I reached this level of insanity.

It had a list price of $10K when it was discontinued 4-5 years ago. That could be driving that $5K asking price. What's it "really" worth? Only you and the seller can decide. ;-)

FWIW, you'll have to pry my UNIverse from my cold dead pinkies (and you'd still have to fight off my partner). Here are some considerations I'd be thinking about:

- Nakatsuka-san believes the UNIverse is better (though his sonic priorities do differ from mine, and maybe from yours)

- there's no price difference, and the UNIverse would come with a full warranty and Mehran's unparalleled customer service

-there's a pretty active community of UNIverse owners here and elsewhere who'll share tips (it's the most responsive/sensitive cartridge I know, with very narrow sweet zones for VTF, VTA, antiskating and azimuth and very high rewards for getting everything right)

Here's one unwelcome tip: the UNIverse deserves a better arm than any Graham short of the new Phantom. Not that it won't play and play well on a 2.x, as your Benz undoubtedly does now, but you won't get anywhere near its full capabilites. More upgrades to look forward to!

For a top level ZYX it's hard to beat a TriPlanar VII. Several have reported good results with the Graham Phantom also, but I haven't heard myself.

Thom Mackris of Galibier turntables likes to say, whichever arm you're most comfortable setting up and adjusting may be best, especially at this level, since exacting setup can make the difference between good sound and HOLY MOTHER OF CRAP! good sound. :-)

For something other than a ZYX, it depends on the cartridge. Matching arm to cartridge is vital in helping to delay that NEXT upgrade.

Like you, we're in year 4-5 of an unexpected adventure. "The road goes ever, on and on. Watch your step going out of that door Frodo. There's no telling where you may be swept off to." At least our tonearm and cartridge (and preamp) adventures are settled. We've heard nothing better that we can afford - and many things we can't afford and would never want to! ;-)

As my preamp/amp designer says, tolerate equipment, enjoy music!

Heh. I actually advised Mark NOT to upgrade to an Airy 3, since I thought (and still think) that it's overkill for his table and arm.

But he ignored me and he's happy. Cogito, ergo erro!

Doug