Difference between ZYX 4D and ATMOS

I think Mehran's 'truth about 4D' is less 'evidence' than 'his understanding.' I do not think it is proof. If, however, the mfr was willing to receive money to relabel one cart as another when they were not the same, that says a great deal about the company.

If anyone has listened to both, they could tell us. If they are the same, what has anyone gotten other than a moral victory? If they are different, how serious is that? I have yet to hear of anyone who has bought a 4D or an Atmos and been disappointed.

And in the end, it does not matter. The 4D still exists (for the moment). It is what it is and it costs what it costs. If anyone wanted an Atmos, you can probably still get one from Mehran. If you wanted a 4D, you might have been able to get one from Mehran before, but not anymore. However, you can get one in the US from the new distributor/dealer network. If they are different and the 4D is better, then so be it. If they are the same and more expensive - it is no different a situation than all the other carts in the line which will be more expensive.

One thing for sure: I was tempted to try ZYX out after i'm done with a MM fever (namely with Clearaudio Maestro, Stanton 981 LZS, Nagaoka MP-500) , but with this economy and the new, higher prices across the ZYX lineup, i dont even have the urge to do that at all. Not anytime soon.

Nice rationalization, T-bone. Moral victory? How's that when we all vote with our dollars? This issue really comes down to who one feels they can trust. I'm sure KY Audio would be very happy to sweep all of this under the carpet. The NEW Audiogon is willing to do whatever the paying advertiser demands.

T-bone...I'd call an email from ZYX explicitly saying that the two carts are the same much more 'evidence' than an 'understanding'.

As for the rest of your post....that was the most convoluted stream of rationalization I've ever read-at least, the parts I could understand.

Dan-ed...you're absolute right about where Audiogon's main interests lie. I'm surprised these posts are being allowed, though the censoring machine may be presently confused since *two* advertisers are matched against each other.

05-29-09: Peterayer
What I'm curious about is after Mehran's supply runs out, to which brands of cartridges are these owners going to migrate?

I am curious too. Nice chance for Shelter. Another hugely underrated cart (as per Arthur Salvatore website). Transfiguration. Or may Mehran would discover another magical carts?