Bad experience with ZYX AIRY 3

Thanks guys,one more reason for me to step up the ZYX line,using the FUJI R-100 FS and loving it!Quick question if you can help.How do I decide between,example Airy 2 S and Airy 2 X?Also I own an Aries 2 and JMW10 is the SB option a good idea for improvement?Thanks Mike.

Mike,

I've had the copper and silver UNIverses side-by-side in my system. The silver was slightly slower/smoother on leading edges. It slightly rounded off initial transients. Some people find this sort of thing pleasant. I find it distracting. YMMV.

The copper is more neutral and has more lifelike microdynamics. It does not round off (or exaggerate) transient leading edges. Notes sound like what was cut in the grooves, neither more nor less.

I haven't heard a silver Airy 2 or 3 so I can't be certain this characteristic translates to those models, though I would expect it to. The Airy 2-X is already a somewhat gentle sounding cartridge. Gentling it more might really be too much. OTOH, the Airy 3-X is very free and powerful. Gentling it a touch could be helpful in some systems.

Whichever coils you choose, the SB option will yield a major improvement on a JMW. Strongly recommended.

Doug

Thanks Doug,I've talked to Mehran and he suggests the "S" just because, I believe ,I told him my preference for music is Jazz and older 70's rock.I haven't quite got to the point of appreciating classical,so I listen to it very little.I do prefer the "warmer" side of things so maybe the silver would be better,decisions decisions.Thanks very much for your response.Mike

Hi

Thank you for your answers .
The Zyx airy 3 seems to be a cartridge wich keeps its promises .

Must be patient...

Regards

André

Mike,
Your preference for "warmer" certainly indicates the "S" over the "X".

For jazz the Airy 2-S would be good and the Airy 3-S would be very good.

For classic rock I would strongly recommend the Airy 3-S over the 2-S. If you can manage the few hundred extra dollars it will be worth it. It's a much more powerful cartridge.

Cheers,
Doug