Doug Decan I think there is a new ZYX 4D cartridge

I think, the reality is a bit different. SORAsound made Zyx famous, mainly with the UNIverse. The main "problem" was (and is) that he sells them direct, without a dealer rate.
Lots of Users had a very interesting experience when they compared their 12k+++++$ cartridges with that one and got a result which showed what is really out there (overpriced average cartridges, pushed via Marketing, not via Performance).
The UNIverse is a special US cartridge, the 4D is available everywhere through dealerships ... of course "they" say it is the best ... what do you expect? The truth?
SORAsound doesn't give review samples, when someone wants to have it, he has to pay for, like everyone else.
That is another "problem" ....anyway, normally the UNIverse is a 8.5k cartridge and you can have it for 50%. New.
That's good news, I always wanted to buy a Koetsu for 12k, but in Japan I can get them for 1/3....no, i don't trust them, too cheap .... :)

Thomas,
When you are the sole supplier of a proprietary product the MSRP, in this case $8.5K, is a meaningless figure and totally unrelated to the actual selling price.

Well, there's not need to start a war over the Universe. There are not a lot of more expensive cartridges so am not sure how much budget plays into it. I have never heard a cartridge that does everything well in the sense of flattering the particular instrument. The universe does the least harm of the cartridges I have heard. It isn't as exciting or lush as some and it doesn't have a lot of extra second order distortion harmonic soound in it either, but it sounds a lot to me like what is probably pressed on a the LP and digs a lot of detail out of the grooves.

It's a very reliable friend.

I don't believe there's a "war" here Mothra.

The discussion has focused on the Universe (an extremely fine cartridge), other Zyx cartridges, the Universe's peer group, and retail/selling prices.

You've made a pleasing choice for your system and that's what matters.