ZYX Airy 3x/SB vs. Dynavector XV-1 or 1s

Doug,

Thanks for your recommendations. I've played around with VTF and SRA settings quite a bit but not much on the damping fluid. Load is set at the recommended 100ohms. VTF is set at 1.9 and SRA is set with the butt end slightly lower for heavy pressings (visually even for run-of-the-mill pressings).

I will try adding a drop more fluid (does this have a similar effect as adding mass at the pivot point of the arm?), then a drop less. I can also try a lower impedance setting if the fluid trick doesn't do the magic. However, if you've experienced the same symptoms using the same cartridge/arm combo on a different table, phono stage and downstream components, that pretty much validates my thoughts.

Guess I could also look into adding a second arm (which I planned on doing anyway -- but not until next year) or upgrade my 2.2 in lieu of a cartridge swap.

The saga continues...

Ca2284,Firstly--A xv-1s is quite a heavy cartridge,and would probably be a better match for an arm like the Phantom,Schroeder,Dynavector's own(excellent)507 mk 2,and some other contenders.The 2.2 may work with it,but it is really not ideal with cartridges like this,or the more massive Koetsus,IMO.

As to your NOW experimenting with adding an additional drop of fluid,I'd like to emphasize (strongly)that you work in tiny,as in pinheads at a time,of the damping fluid.This is SO critical,you won't believe it.You want to shoot for a very detailed sound,yet not a damped sound.There should NOT be any brightness with a high performance cartridge like the ZYX,that you have.Adding drops at a time is WAY too much to properly voice the arm/cart. interface.

Best of luck!

Sirspeedy,

Thanks for the heads up on the cartridge weight compatibility with the 2.2, and tips on the damping fluid tweak.

This sounds like a long term endeavor worth the time of any true audio afficianado.

How many hours do you have on the ZYX?

Break-in is crucial with this cart.

I have about 150 hours on the ZYX. It has pretty much stabilized at about the 100 - 120 hour point.