Cartridge advice needed, dynavector 20xh now what?

Nicksgem10s,

It doesn't seem like ZYX and Mehran need any more recommendations, but I'll offer mine anyway!

The first-hand reports from Dyna 20XH and 20XL owners are interesting. I don't remember seeing those particular Dyna's compared to a ZYX before.

My comparison around your price point would be a Shelter 901 vs. ZYX Airy 2, both of which I've owned. The ZYX outplayed the Shelter in every musical category except raw energy, where the 901's somewhat crude dynamics give it a an edge - literally. If I were a metalhead I might prefer the 901. For natural or acoustic music of any genre the Airy 2 is overwhelmingly better.

Of course the Airy 2 is more expensive than the 901 ($1,950 vs. $1,500), but its superiority was so great I'd expect the $1,500 ZYX (R100 Fuji from Mehran) to outplay a 901 also.

If you go with a ZYX you'll want to increase effective mass on your SpaceArm a bit for optimum dynamics and bass. A 5 gram headshell weight would be about right. ZYX offers an optional weight for the Airy 2 and above that suits most tonearms, but it's not available on their lower priced cartridges. Aftermarket and DIY weights are easy enough to find, so this really shouldn't be an issue.

Good luck in your search and enjoy whatever you choose,
Doug

One more vote for ZYX and Mehran... I recently replaced a Benz M2 cartridge with a ZYX Fugi. A huge step up and I haven't stopped spinning vinyl since. Incredibly neutral, detailed, balanced top to bottom with a wonderfully 3D soundstage.

And as the posts here attest, Mehran is a total class act. Super helpful and of highest integrity. If you're in the market for a great cartridge at a good price, the ZYX cartridges from Mehran/SORASound should definitely be on your short list.

Not to beat the drum to death, but ZYX & Mehran - can't do any better than that. He is, first and foremost, a fantastic person to interact with. Simply a guy with tremendous enthusiasm for this hobby. Second, he truly tries as hard as possible to help potential customers make the best choice for their systems and personal tastes. No hard sell or double-talk.

I probably talked to him 5 times(or more) on the phone and several emails while I bounced back and forth between wanting a ZYX and not. At the time, there was a lot of hype from very few people and risk was huge for me financially on a fairly unknown cartridge line. Nonetheless, Mehran always was patient and understanding, telling me to take my time, do my homework, think it over.

And, he stands behind his sales 100%. Add to that trade-in credit on upgrades. Can't get any better than that!

PS. Take Dougdeacon's weighting suggestion to heart. I toiled for almost a year thinking my ZYX Fuji R-100 FS (Silver) was mediocre and lightweight. Adding the extra mass took it to a whole 'nother level, really. Two totally different carts, with and without the added weight.

Doug's complete suggestion for proper weighting out of a post last month:

"Subtract the effective mass of your arm from 18 or so. Add about that many grams to the headshell. Rebalance, reset VTF and play."

Darkmoebius,

That's a pretty cool formula. I wonder what it would be like to remember my own posts? ;-)

Hi Doug,

One of many little pearls of wisdom that get dropped around here from time to time. In all honesty, without that tip, I probaly would have sold off my Fuji FS and considered all the ZYX talk as hype. Now, I'm happy as a clam, but looking to possibly move up the line - good for my listening pleasure, bad for my retirement fund.

The tradeoffs we make....