I have joined in the ZYX Family


Funny how change comes about. I’ve been intending to get a tube preamp for years 10-12 years. Instead, I got a tube amp which sounds great. . Tube amp with SS preamp sounds GREAT. FWIW, the SS Preamp was a Stereophile Class A Conrad Johnson PFR. So, its not like I was shooting in the dark. The PFR is a really good preamp. And the Bob Latino ST-70 seems to be a great fit along with the Silverline Sonatas. So I set out to get my turntable up to its optimum. I have a Teres 340 which has an Origin Live Illustrious 3 with Benz Ebony L cartridge. I put the OL Illustrious on it as a temporary arm. I figured the Teres deserved much better. But Maybe I am wrong. It sounds great. However, being an audiophile, I can’t leave it alone. So I set out to get a new tonearm worthy of the Teres 340. But then someone reminds me that a cartridge will make more difference than a tonearm upgrade, especially since the tonearm is a pretty good one. . So I consider the idea and come across a ZYX 4D for a good price. Thank you Raulirigueus(sp) for the idea. In the process, I saved some $$$ too. I’ve wanted a ZYX for quite some time. NOW, I see what all the fuss is about. This cartridge is fabulous. Next up is to clean the electric. Oneac seems to be a good way to go. But, who knows. My plans often go sideways. But I’ve really made some big steps forward thanks to some good advice and the good Lord above who over rules my ignorance. FWIW I often pity those who miss the beauty of good music. I love it. Thanks for your help along the way.
128x128artemus_5
@atmasphere not covered by zyx even if it was materials issue? not under warranty? Too bad. 
Chakster, I fully agree that price is not necessarily proportionate to excellence in audio equipment. That's exactly why I like the ZYX UNIverse cartridges so much; they do (or did, until the price of the UNI was doubled) give good value for the dollar in the realm of the LOMC, where the dollars per unit of pleasure ratio is very high.  I would not argue with you that the dollars per unit of pleasure ratio is much lower in the MM and MI types of cartridges, by comparison.  And some MMs give any MC a run for the money.

I am surprised at Ralph's experience and its outcome.  I bought a new Koetsu Urushi in Tokyo and then noticed that the cantilever was bent. Via the auspices of the Tokyo dealer who sold it to me, Koetsu replaced the cartridge for no cost.  This was 2-3 months at least after I had returned home to the US.  On the other hand, we know a priori that re-tipping of MC cartridges by their makers is going to be expensive.
I have mentioned Miyajima cartridge for that reason, the retipping of those cart are very reasonably priced by the manufacturer. However, i don’t have Miyajima cartridges.

But i had a great experience with Japanese shop where i bought my new SPU Spirit Ltd model, the sound was nice, but when i noticed misstracking on some records i just decided to return it back to Japan. I got full refund including return shipping, because it was factory deffect. In case with an expensive cartridges full support by the distributor and manufacturer is very important, otherwice we could buy them used for half price at least.
Re tipping from other than the original manufactuer results in a different sound.

I give the old cartridge to person that does not need perfect sound and then buy new. I do not trust rebuilt no matter who does it.

With clean Lps I get 5 to 6 years of great sound. I play 3 to 4 hours each day. Use Last Stylist on each side.

I fear there are too many cheapskates using cartridges. But cartridges are very high markup products and why overpay! You can find them for 50 to 60% off if you know were to buy. They even show up on Audiogon by dealers other than SoraSound.

I have bought from 2Juki many times, and never been let down. The S/N on the cartridge body is NOT altered, only the sales region on the box, to protect his sources from getting cut off by ZYX.

I have never used a warranty on a cartridge in 40 years!

SoraSound let Ralph down IMO.