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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
lewm
12,524 posts
 
Someone made the point that he has seen UNIverse cartridges for sale on-line, even here on Audiogon, from vendors other than Sorasound and for discount prices.  Please show me those ads.  All ads for sale of UNI cartridges that I have seen here and elsewhere were for second-hand items, sometimes described as "demo" or "traded in by customer after very short home demo" by the very high end dealers (other than Sorasound) who advertise them, and yes, those are discounted.  Is it possible that actually new cartridges are sold as "demo" to justify the discount, when sales are otherwise slow?  It sure is.  But only by Sorasound so far as I know.

Also, Sorasound is US distributor for ZYX, I think.  On that basis, he would be entitled to "distribute" cartridges to other dealers, even new ones.  There are indeed a few others who sell NOS ZYX cartridges but none in my experience that sell the UNI line.

Finally, the UNI II was hailed as a major upgrade over the original UNI, based partly on its more "open" body structure compared to the original.  I wonder could it be that the UNI II design was stimulated by complaints, such as those mentioned above, about the non-repairability of the original UNI, due to its closed body structure?  I've never heard a UNI II, and so I have no idea if it is really superior sonically to the original, except for the testimony of others.  I would be tempted to buy a documented low mileage "demo" UNI II (wink, wink), if the price were palatable.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,610 posts
 
Lewm,

I used a Universe 2 for a little while - it is an excellent cartridge.  Its surprising how well the ZYX sounds in spite of the cheapie looking plastic casing they are mounted in.  

Good Listening

Peter
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@pbnaudio 
 Its surprising how well the ZYX sounds in spite of the cheapie looking plastic casing

there is only cheapie digital prints called manual, like those prints people can make on their home laser printer and put the m together using stapler. What is on the cartridge is the same kind of cheapie printing, covered by clear plastic layer. I'm pretty sure it is not important for many and it's a matter of teste, but none of the TOTL cartridges from the 70s and 80s sold for many thousands dollars looks so cheap. I love the oldschool style of packaging with narural wood, jewelry boxes, top quality booklets (offset prints of the highest quality) that just looks real and stylish. For $8000 cartridge it can be a good bonus.  

pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,610 posts
 
Chakster,

The cartridge I currently use, the Ortofon MC Anna should be right up your ally then :-) comes with a offset printed Manual, a Solid Oak Case lined with Velour, a tool kit in its own sown bag.  

https://www.ortofon.com/mc-anna-p-156

Probably the best packaging job of any cartridge I have owned

Good Listening


Peter 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I'm sure any designer will be happy to work with cartridge manufacturer to create something very special (box, prints whatever). My late 80s Ortofon MC-2000 also comes in huge wooden case with nicely printed booklet, one of the best design ever in my opinion. The SPU Royal MG MK2 is also very attractive in original box. It like something ogranic versus cheap plastic. 
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