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ZYX cartridges

Can someone explain to me the heirarchy of ZYX cartridges? I guess I know that the Universe is top of the line (though the Atmos may be even more expensive). But beyond that there seems to be umpteen different variations of the Airy model, called "2", "3", etc, with silver vs copper windings, etc. Since these are said to work well with my Triplanar tonearm, I am thinking of making a purchase, but I am completely confused regarding their product line. Thanks.
lewm
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear Lewm: If I remember you own the MP-1 from Atmasphere that if I remember too it handle both: MC and MM cartridges, right?

In that case before you put " big money " on a new MC cartridge ( any including the new Transi. ) and due the very good quality performance of your Phonolinepreamp I think that you can try a MM type cartridge, there are several options that IMHO at least even or surpass many of the MC named here.
Well are so inexpensive that you could buy almost 10 of them for the price of one MC. IMHO I think you can't loose about and you can/could enjoy something not only different but better overall.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
lewm OP
13,777 posts
 
thanks, Raul. But I have searched the internet on several occasions for the MMs that you have found to be so excellent, and I have yet to find any of them for sale anywhere. If you can help me find one, I'd give it a listen. I do indeed have an MP1, but mine is heavily modified (by me), so I don't know how it compares to a current production model. As I mentioned to you privately, the phono input stage consists of a cascode built with an MAT02 NPN transistor on the bottom and now an ECC99 on top. Thus I have more gain than a standard MP1 phono stage, almost too much for an MM cartridge, but there are ways to reduce the gain if necessary.
sirspeedy
738 posts
 
Piedpiper,are you referring to a "newly" designed Orpheus,with lower output,and better sound?This would be nice,but I can't find any info on the Profundo web-site.

Thanks
piedpiper
753 posts
 
Speedy,

yes this is a new design, or more accurately a new version,by special request, just shipping as of two weeks ago. Profundo's website is not typically very up to date.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear Lewm: Here there are some great MM type top quality performers:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1225727131&/Reson-Reca

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bang-Olufsen-MMC-2-one-of-the-B-O-best-cartridge_W0QQitemZ150297996854QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150297996854&_trkparms=72%3A1163%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/B-O-Cartridge-MMC1_W0QQitemZ220286903490QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220286903490&_trkparms=72%3A1163%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.de/ORIGINAL-Nagaoka-MP-50-MP50-Tonabnehmer-NEU-OVP_W0QQitemZ330088793464QQihZ014QQcategoryZ23324QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

http://www.audiophile.com.au/product_amber.html

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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