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

Has anyone tried both cartridges and offer an opinion? I currently have the ZYX mounted on a Graham 2.2, on a Clearaudio Maximum Solution. Phono stage is the latest Klyne 7PX5.

I like the ZYX in terms of dynamics and detail, but can get a bit too bright (for my taste) at times. This could be a system specific characteristic for all I know but the cartridge I had before the ZYX wasn't quite as dynamic and detailed, but was neither as bright. I've heard the XV-1 (original version) on a Basis Debut/Graham 2.2 combo and was quite impressed. Also heard numerous positive comments re: the XV-1 but I'm not sure how this would sound on my system.

Any thoughts? TIA
ca2284
bnrlaw
130 posts
 
How many hours do you have on the ZYX?

Break-in is crucial with this cart.
ca2284 OP
43 posts
 
I have about 150 hours on the ZYX. It has pretty much stabilized at about the 100 - 120 hour point.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,125 posts
 
Typically the Zyx Airy 3x SB takes nearly 300 hours to break in. I noticed a real improvement between 200 and 300 hours.

Brightness was never an issue in my setup though, so I'm not sure if the additional time will alleviate this issue.
ca2284 OP
43 posts
 
That's encouraging news, Nrchy. Looks like there is hope with my current setup. Thanks.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
In the system where the Airy 3 was too bright we found an impedance of 75 ohms better than 100. Try something like that if you can.

Listen to SirSpeedy re: the Graham damping fluid. We were adjusting and hearing changes with amounts far smaller than a drop. Dip a toothpick in and scrape some of that onto the pivot. Be very careful not to drip any of it against the sides of the well. It will take forever to settle back down.

Unless you're in a very warm climate, 1.90g may be insufficient downforce. My UNIverse is currently happy at about 2.05g. Very small changes will be audible here too.

A nose-up orientation is not optimal for any ZYX I've heard. They like to be level (referring to the cartridge body, not the arm tube). OTOH I wouldn't expect this to cause brightness. Nose-down does that.

Keep on tweakin'!
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