2. analog
  3. 163338-82

Copper, silver, or gold MC cartridge coils?

Copper coils seem to be the most popular.

Silver coils seem to have the general trait of warmer midrange and extended high frequencies, by those that prefer them.

Copper has lower mass than silver, and much less mass than gold. Better transients?

Silver has the best conductivity, followed by copper, then gold.  Gold has the best corrosion durability.

Can we draw any conclusions as to the type of sonic traits and preference of each type?

Any preferences and why your choice of type, or is there no big differences sonic wise?
don_c55
dover
2,247 posts
 
@don_c55
You stated that the silver wired Zyx has 3 years usage, and the copper wired Zyx has 1.5 years use.You stated that the Gold wired Zyx is new.
Therefore the comparison is irrelevant and your conclusion flawed.

Furthermore, I would wager that if you compared two cartridges with the same wire - they will sound different.
don_c55 OP
1,025 posts
 
Dover

I use stylist and all the cartridges are is great shape!

I get 3000 hours of life with stylast , and there are many audiophiles agree with the life of my cartridges.

You do not know what you are talking about IMO.

I know what these cartridges sounded like over their usefull life.

Why would two identical cartridges sound different?

 ZYZ makes quality cartridges that have very little unit to unit sonic variation.

dover
2,247 posts
 
@don_c55 
Re the Zyx, a friend of mine has had 2 out of 3 new Zyx subpar that have had to be replaced - manufacturing faults et al. I have also seen brand new Koetsu's where the cantilever has had to be realigned ( rotated such that the diamond is vertical as you look from the front ).

don_c55 OP
1,025 posts
 
I have owned 4 ZYX airy 3 cartridges no problems, all excellent!

I bought all of them from 2Juki, saved big over SoraSound!

I also bought 3 Benz Ruby 2’s from 2Juki, all excellent.

Been dealing with 2Juki for 15 years.
dronepunk's avatar
dronepunk
64 posts
 
I bought a used ZYX Airy 3 that was never used as it had a factory flaw in which the coils were glued to the body.
Peter L. was surprised it got passed QC.....
This is just one data point and it passed thru others hands,
so do not take this as disparaging the manufacturer.
I have often thought that maybe someone bought an SB weight and glued it on themselves with too much adhesive?
Who know’s, but it sure sounds sweet right now.
Ive all but forgotten about my collection of damn good vintage cartridges.......
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