Cartridge Man MM3 vs. ZYX R100 Fuji FS?

I hope not to bee too late but by coincidence I have now a Music Maker II with Insulator, a Shelter 501 MK II and a Zyx R100 FS-H + Silent Metal at the same time. Arms are an Origin Live Silver, a Morsiani CM1 and a Hadcock 228. Turntable is a Scheu Premier MK III. Phono stages are an Aqvox 2 CI and the tube phono stage of Korato (4x 12 AX7 Telefunken)with Shelter 411 MK II step up.
I can confirm that the Music Maker has in my system a lack of bass compared with the other two cartridges and a tendency to be annoying on sibilants. The best match is definitely with the Hadcock or the Morsiani but not my version with the carbon shell but rather the lighter version with aluminium shell. Not at all with the Origin Live. The Shelter is very powerful on the bass; best set up is with 1,6g and VTA slightly higher on the rear otherwise gets "boomy". ZYX is very balanced and with outstanding stage. Arthur Salvatore suggests a VTF of 1,85g but with the Morsiani I have mistracking already on the + 12dB track of test record so I have increased to 2g.

Dear Darkmoebius: +++++ " and both have been getting rave reviews as "giant killers". " +++++

You own both cartridges and I think that you know that are not " giant killers ".

If you want something better quality performer for " peanuts " try the MM Empire EDR.9. IMHO this EDR.9 outperform the two named cartridges.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

I've heard a lot more Zyx cartridges and would no longer put them at the top of my recommendations. They are very detailed, somewhat bright and not the punchiest.

I still don't understand the attraction of the Music Maker. I do know that its manufacturer has very good relationships with a few UK based reviewers who speak very highly of the man. Both Zyx and MM are promoted by viral marketing rather than traditional methods.

I concur with Raul that the NOS Empire EDR.9 is an excellent performer regardless of its budget price tag.

BTW, I didn't buy the Zyx - I went instead for a Dynavector XX-2 which to my ears is far superior.

***Raul:"You own both cartridges and I think that you know that are not " giant killers "."***

At the time that I posted this question in April of '05, I didn't own either cart or had just gotten them but hadn't mounted them yet.

Having used both now, I have formed an opinion. Like everything in this hobby, it's all about what they are mated with.

My tonearm wasn't the best possible match with ZYX. The matching silver or gold head weights probably would have added much needed body and weight to the Fuji's delivery, but that adds significantly to the total cost. Besides, I still listen to a healthy amount of rock and hard rock which is not the Fuji's forte. So, I decided to sell it.

The MM3 is great at it's current $990 price for my varied tastes in music. It does well with jazz and extremely well with all forms of rock.

But, my current line of interest is in the Dynavector Rua.

Dear darkmoebius: I understand. Anyway, if you can, try the EDR.9: its inexpensive cartridge and beats easily the MM3, you will be surprised.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.