ZYX Ultimate with carbon fiber cantilevers -- listener reviews?

$15,000 for a cartridge.

No matter what anyone says about the quality, that is absurd!

I agree. ZYX is not alone though. Koetsu has a $14K cartridge, Air Tight has a $15K cartridge, Lyra has a $12K cartridge, etc.

I also never believe cartridge reviews as accurate, due to the fact very few know how to "fine tune" cartridge/arm setups. Too much sonic variability!

I just posted the review because jollytinker mentioned it. I do not believe any review, due to sonic variability and reviewer bias. Audio press is part of the whole manufacturing/publicizing of the audio hobby.
98% of the reviews are glowingly ridiculous. I know, I've owned some gear that had great reviews, but had me scratching my head.

don_c55

$15,000 for a cartridge.
No matter what anyone says about the quality, that is absurd!

It's a subjective judgment. I'd never pay that kind of money for a phono cartridge. But many people think that what audiophiles commonly pay for components - $20K speakers, $15K preamps, $15K turntables - is also absurd. So who is to decide? Each user should be free to decide for himself, especially in this forum, imo.

Dear listeners,
Thank you for your replies, though my interest would likely top out at the 4D, which, while not inexpensive (to my mind), is listed in Europe for less than $3000 US.  I'm curious how the CF cantilevered  model might compare to the boron version, as well as with very different designs -- e.g. the Sound-smith Paua.
Cheers,
Harvey

BTW,
While undoubtedly proprietary, curious what adhesive or binding compound is used to produce a ZYX  cantilever composed of 1000 pieces of CF composite.
Harvey

elmers glue, and tiny tweezers??  LOL