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ZYX R 1000 Sigma X - thoughts, comments, reviews

Have an opportunity to purchase a ZYX R 1000 Sigma X cartridge and have not been able to find much information on the cartridge. Most forum threads and reviews are about the UNIverse. Have searched the Sorasound sight with no luck. Finally went to the Japanese distributor sight, Sibatech and was able to find out a little bit more info. On their sight they list the Airy 3, Cosmos 4 series, and the Sigma. My question is the UNIverse the same as the Sigma? Or is the UNIverse the same as the 4 series? Anyone familiar with the sound of the Sigma, or know of any reviews? My analog system consists of Clearaudio Maximum with Graham 2.3. Cables are Siltech Avalon and Compass Lake with Brinkman phono amp. Preamp and Amps are JRDG Coherence 1 and heavily modified Model 7's. Speakers are SF Guanari Mememto's with Siltech Emperor. This cartridge would supplement a Benz Micro M2. Thanks for your thoughts/comments.
94968
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
For a top level ZYX it's hard to beat a TriPlanar VII. Several have reported good results with the Graham Phantom also, but I haven't heard myself.

Thom Mackris of Galibier turntables likes to say, whichever arm you're most comfortable setting up and adjusting may be best, especially at this level, since exacting setup can make the difference between good sound and HOLY MOTHER OF CRAP! good sound. :-)

For something other than a ZYX, it depends on the cartridge. Matching arm to cartridge is vital in helping to delay that NEXT upgrade.

Like you, we're in year 4-5 of an unexpected adventure. "The road goes ever, on and on. Watch your step going out of that door Frodo. There's no telling where you may be swept off to." At least our tonearm and cartridge (and preamp) adventures are settled. We've heard nothing better that we can afford - and many things we can't afford and would never want to! ;-)

As my preamp/amp designer says, tolerate equipment, enjoy music!

94968 OP
14 posts
 
Couldn't agree with you more on Gandalf's wisdom. Yes, it is all about enjoying the music! And I have been at that. Never really appreciated how good audio equipment could sound and by that the music produced from said equipment could sound until I went down the upgrade path. Have been startled and pleasently surprised. For me the biggest improvement in sound has been the upgrade in cables. I know many think Siltech are overpriced but boy once you have heard the difference it is hard to accept anything else.

For now I think I will stay with my Clearaudio and Graham. I have only had them for about a year and a half and am enjoying them immensely. I think I will pull the trigger on the cartridge as I know I need an upgrade there. I am getting a good warranty and price on the Sigma. I may not get the most out it but know the potential and it will be an improvement over what I have.

Next line of improvements will be my CD player and my Reel to Reel. Have been a long time user/fan of R-to-R and enjoy recording tapes and just pressing play. Its also much easier to make tapes and edit than it is to make cd's from vinyl. Additionally am very interested in the Tape Project and will be taking out a subscription shortly. Will need to update my Otari for the tapes but it will be worth it.

Thanks again for your comments. Audiogon is a great sight and has been extremely helpful with my upgrade journey.
markd51's avatar
markd51
765 posts
 
First, I'd like saying at least provide us your first name at the end of your posts, don't be bashful, we're basically a very kind, close knit bunch here! :-)

Doug's gonna give you straight-forward, accurate, and basically a non-biased advice. IMO, he's one of the very best contributors here, and he has immensely helped me over the past year. He knows his beeswax, and he's also a kind considerate man.

I'm sure you found out some about this Cartridge, that I assume it posseses a Pure Diamond Rod Cantilever.
Great maybe for bragging rights, but as Doug, (and the master in Japan) says, your money might be better spent with the UNIverse? Or?

Although I of course, living in the "Land of Enchantment", where 95% of people don't even know who McIntosh, Krell, or Mark levinson is, buy thier audio goodies from Wally World, I'd like saying this.....

A system, no matter how good, will only ever give a glimpse at what we hope to hear, or try to remember.

That special concert we once attended, and got goosebumps. To see out favorite Artists perform, blow our minds, and we try to remember back, and we try to get re-involved, and enraptured.

It is our escape, our joy, our relaxation, out little "corner of the world", which we all hold sacred, and dear.

Like an amateur Astronomer, trying to squeeze every last bit from his/her prize, very costly instrument, using the very best, rare Zeiss Orthoscopic Eyepieces, Dew Heaters, precision Mounts, mirrors, and lenses with 1/20 Wave accuracy, we try to step back to those special moments.

I've been very happy with my Airy 3X SB that Doug Suggested I try. Mehran made it happen here in the USA, and he is superb to deal with.

As I close, the important criterion I believe to consider, is, address the weak points in your audio system. Room acoustics, placement, speakers, and other downline components are just as important.

What good is a $10,000 Cartridge, if the rest of your system cannot showcase it? Best of luck! Mark

94968 OP
14 posts
 
Thanks Mark for your response. Couldn't agree more. Room acoustics and set up are key. Also agree that I am not concerned with having a $10,000 cartridge. My whole philosophy with the upgrading has been what does it sound like, will I notice the difference, will it improve my system and is it worth the price. My guiding principle in all things I purchase is quality. I will wait and spend the extra dollars for something that is well made, well supported, and backed by the manufacturer/seller.

Thanks for your thoughts on signing my name. Wasn't sure about the etiquette for doing so on this sight. Have really enjoyed reading all the posts on Audiogon and the advice given.

Thanks to everyone,
David
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Heh. I actually advised Mark NOT to upgrade to an Airy 3, since I thought (and still think) that it's overkill for his table and arm.

But he ignored me and he's happy. Cogito, ergo erro!

Doug
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