Cartridge for JMW 10

I like ZYX's too, love them actually, but no one would call them "lush". Neutral, natural, seamless and realistic are the words that usually come to mind. In the long run that's more satisfying (to me) than listening to colorations added by a cartridge. "Lush" and "realistic" are rather contradictory goals. FWIW, the Benz users I know who've tried a ZYX prefer the ZYX.

Sorasound is currently auctioning a new R100 Yatra. This normally sells for $1100 but he's set a reserve of only $749.

If that climbs above your budget, he sells the R100H new for $870. That cartridge is reportedly a wonderful performer for its price.

I wouldn't put a Shelter on a JMW myself. Not the most suitable arm for a very low compliance cartridge IMO.

If you insist on some lushness, I'd say upgrade to a higher model Benz. It won't have the top end extension and clarity of a ZYX, but it will provide that extra bit of warmth.

I completely agree with Cmo and Dougdeacon. The Shelter would not be a good match for the JMW as this arm is better suited to the higher compliance cart such as the ZYX. I currently have the Aries 2/JMW 10 with a Zyx Fuji SH (0.48mV) into a PH3SE and it is superb.

I think Doug makes a good observation that the faster , more neutral sounding Zyx, may be more satisfying in the long run than one that emphesizes a lush quality. This IMO also.I have owned a few Benz's and a Koetsu Rosewood as a reference and while they sounded nice, the ZYX definately sounds more "real" to me.

Having owned the LS15 and PH3SE both together in my system at one time, I think also that you would do well to seek a output of around 0.4-0.5mV in the cart.

You have very good components in this system. I would try to stretch the budget on the Cart if you could. Mehran at Sorasound will work with you and give you his best deal to try to get you into a better cart. Thats what I did and Im glad I didn't settle for a lesser cart. Good Luck with your choice here.
Ken

Kehut, just curious if you find the need for the VPI 3 gram headshell weights with your cartridge, or is the 5 gram ZYX OK with this arm as is
Carl

Carl,

The 5 gr.ZYX would be too light for the stock 10 arm.What I have is the stock arm without headshell weights. I obtained a light counterweight for the 10 arm from VPI. Its the same as the dropped CW used on the Scoutmaster model...but fits the 10 arm. Sheila took my stock weight in exchange, so it cost nothing to do. Without the lightweight part, I would have needed the headshell weights or the Silver Base option on my ZYX to balance properly.
Ken

Great solution Kehut.

AFAIK ZYX's optional silver weight is only available on the Airy 2, Airy 3 and UNIverse. JMW owners using lower priced ZYX's would have to get the VPI weights or, as you stated, a lighter c/w to increase their effective mass.