2. analog
  3. 1153774480

Transparent Phono Cable

I have upgraded my analog system to an SME 20/2 with Graham Phantom. Cartridge short list is down to Dynavector XV1S or Zyx Universe.

The rest of the chain in the system is Ayre K-1xe preamp with phono stage, Levinson 20.5 mono blocks, Wilson Sophia 1s. The existing cables are current Transparent Reference from preamp to amps & current Transparent Ultra speaker cable.

Music runs the gamut from classical to jazz, rock, pop & folk.

Should I be consistent and go for Transparent phono cable or consider a different brand?
Ag insider logo xs@2xcipherjuris
dgad
782 posts
 
ZYX Universe is here to compare to the Dynavector. Comparison is coming soon. 2nd party impressions go the the Universe. This is hearsay based on a friend listening in someone elses system. I will be comparing shortly. It will be the ZYX Universe in an Ikeda compared to the XV-1s on the Schroder SQ. The Ikeda will be using the Silver tonearm cable. The Schroder has the Nordost Vallhala cryogenicly treated.

Initial impressions of the Schroder. Who says it doesn't have bass. It has incredible bass.
cello
645 posts
 
Dgad,
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Did you get your UNIverse in Copper or Silver coils ? I am assuming that you got the SB weight.
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Rgds,
Larry
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Ag insider logo xs@2x
cipherjuris OP
145 posts
 
Thanks, guys, for all your responses. I'm looking forward to Dgad's thoughts on Universe vs XV1s. Since the order-ship time on my Graham Phantom is taking longer than I was initially told (doesn't it always in this hobby?), I can defer my decision a bit longer.

I'm still not sure which way to go on the phono cable, but my list is getting shorter.
dgad
782 posts
 
Larry,

It isn't mine. I have it on loan for 10 days. I hope it doesn't spoil me. I spent enough this year. I did get the SB weight, but the cartridge is slightly light for the Ikeda arm. I will need to add a weight to the headshell to compensate. It is sitting in a box as I get to know the Schroder and let the Nordost tonearm wire that is included break in.
cello
645 posts
 
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Dgad,
.
The SB weight is the way to go with the UNIverse. My experience was that I much preferred the Copper Coil to the Silver Coiled version by a considerable margin. You did not mention if the UNIverse that you are using is Silver or Copper.
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Congratulations on getting the Schroder Reference SQ. It is one amazing arm.
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Regards,
Larry
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