I got a 2000Z NOS/NIB years ago. I just put it in a drawer and forgot about it — I was using only Moving Coils cartridges. I finally tried the Z recently and it blew my mind. I have carts I'd call analytical or mellow or romantic, but my first thought on hearing this one was "Exciting!"
A friend is a cartridge retipper. Over the years he's heard just about every cartridge ever made. He calls the 2000Z a "WOW!" cartridge.
Mine is over 40 years old and still thrills, so longevity is not an issue.
Because mine is NOS, I haven't looked for a new stylus, so I can't advise you there... unless you want it retipped. LP Gear offers two; the more expensive one has a finer stylus and might be better than the original.
