ZYX Omega or UNIverse?

Well, when the airy 3 sounds 'glassy' to you, I think, you have a serious problem with proper reproduction. There you need a compensation, not a cartridge which sounds right. How about Koetsu?

If the Airy3 is too lean in your system, don't expect the Universe to be much different. It is brutally resolving and unforgiving. Airy3 on steroids.

Both cartridges need a kick a** phono preamp to show their best.

Personal tastes are everything but IMO the LP-S or any Benz for that matter gets buried by the Universe.

No financial interest.

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?

The UNIverse does some details different. Did you read in the review section here the one from Dougdeacon about the UNI? It is pretty good writing, not the usual "I-have-it-and-I am-so-happy-and-it-is-so-good-and-it-is-a-bargain-and-the-MkV version-is-much-better-now. ... :-)
Possible it is one which can show you some new chapters in reproduction but it will depend on your expectation what you want from your Components.

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.