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ZYX "House" Sound

I am searching for a different sound in my system. I'm currently using the Shelter 901 MkIII and the Koetsu Rosewood Signature. I consider both to be on the warm side of neutral. I'd like to find a very good quality cartridge that is a bit more neutral. I don't want "clinical". I cannot cope with cymbals that sound like white noise with emphasis on the upper octaves. System is: MS DD-40 (2 tables), SUT using the Cimemag 1254 Tranny, Paragon Model E tube preamp (used as a phono pre) and Musical Surroundings Nova phono pre, Levinson control amp, Bryston 2.5B cubed power amp, Revel bookshelf speakers and HSU sub.

I've been seriously considering ZYX for my next cartridge. There are reviews of the top and bottom of the line ZYX cartridges, but little in between. I've contacted Mehran at Sorasound. Based on my budget, he suggested the Ultimate (Exceed) 4D or the Ultimate (Exceed) Omega.

Not many reviews for these mid-tier cartridges. Is anyone familiar with the sound of these cartridges? Does ZYX have a "house" sound? I'm not concerned by the naming confusion nor any of the other negative comments I've read. They're not constructive. I really want to understand where the ZYX cartridges fit in the cool to warm spectrum. There may be other brands to look at, and I'm doing that. This post is about the ZYX sound.

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petg60
1,486 posts
 

House sound is a bit general as a term, since some models in the range have some differences. All are though on the warmer side in the mids but so nicely extended, have incredible detail and resolution, tight bass, are neutral, have tonal accuracy and speed. Technically they have great separation, great imaging, are extremely quiet on the groove, they are good trackers but not the best, their stylus lasts long and require medium mass arms. They are sensitive to VTF and AS. Now considering the new Exceed line, what i have noticed after listening to the 100, is a more lively treble compared to previous Ultimate. Still find my 4D Ultimate to sound superb. Anyway somebody else could give you an answer with better english and with more simple words. Still considered one of the few top manufacturers today along with Excel Sound, MSL and Top Wing.

 

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pindac
2,398 posts
 

I have been regularly impressed by the Sumiko Pearwood used on Origin Live Tonearms.

I was expecting a Rich Tone to be delivered from this Cart', maybe on par with a Miyajima Cart' I also get to have regular demo's of which is mounted on a Glanz 12" Tonearm. The idea of each having a Wood Housing influenced my presumption. I was wrong in this circumstance about the Pearwood. 

The Pearwood has a tone that I am quite attracted to, and very much to my liking. It has lean towards Rich, that is similar to a Ortofon Windfeld PW. Not overly but detectable when compared against a transparent lean Cart'.

The Pearwood is also very engaging, it picks one out and makes demands for  attention.

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rauliruegas
12,809 posts
 

Dear @kevemaher  : I owned your today cartridges and I know what you are talking about.

ZYX  Exceed it's a way different sound and are excellent quality performers. You can't go wronggggg with ZYX and could be interesting to look the Lyra Etna Lambda . Both could even what you are looking for and are very hard to beat it.

 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

dover
2,178 posts
 

@kevemaher 

You are looking at upgrading the wrong component.

Your Micro Seiki DD40 is simply not good enough for any of the cartridges you are currently using or proposing to buy.

You would be far better off getting a new turntable which will resolve more and provide a better foundation for any cartridge you purchase.

Start by looking at a Rega P8 or P10 package - it will easily outperform your current set up, even using your existing cartridges.

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