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VPI Classic and ZYX Airy 3 X SB...good match?

Hello everybody,

I have decided to purchase a VPI classic with sds, peripheral ring and HRX clamp after collecting many opinions.
Music I like to listen to is prevalent acoustic, vocal, classic music and jazz (NO Rock).
I like neutral sound, precise tracking, no coloration, but still full body/harmonic sound.
I know I am asking for a bit too much perhaps but by reading on the forum and elsewhere the cartridge that would better match all these specs would be the ZYX Airy 3 X with the Silver base option to overcome the light tonearm's issue.
Now it is time to purchase the pick up...but since it is not so cheap I want to make sure I am doing the right thing and that is why I am addressing a new post here hoping to collect some more useful thoughts in this regard.

Thank you very much for your attention.

Best,
Stefano.
stefanoo
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Ah, we've reached the dithering stage. Good! ;-)

Read the reviews beneath my signature. The models you're asking about are all covered.

The UNIverse is discontinued. The worldwide distributor, SORAsound, still has remaining new stock. The only other source would be a used one (don't hold your breath).

The Atmos designation was discontinued but it's the same cartridge as the 4D, which is still a current model. SORAsound has remaining Atmos's. Any ZYX dealer can sell a 4D.

Your tonearm will match any of these models provided you get the SB option (integrated additional weight). Tonearm matching should not factor into this decision at all IMO.

Choose between Airy 3, 4D/Atmos or UNIverse based on your budget. The improvements from one to the next are clear and audibly significant. Whether they're worth the additional cost is a decision only you can make.

You haven't said a word about needing "smoothness" or "magic" or "musicality", so I assume you're not attracted to/fooled by sonic treacle. Neither am I. Our listening priorities seem similar.

Therefore, whichever model you choose, get the copper coils, SB weight and low output version (assuming an appropriate LOMC phono stage). Everything you've posted about your priorities leads toward these choices.
oilmanmojo
472 posts
 
i can not comment on how the zyx cartridges match up with the vpi tonearm but i have the airy 3 and UNIverse and have run with them for several years. The airy replaced a VDH frog then i got the opportunity to snag a UNIverse. I use them with my Maplenoll tables which has a airbearing linear tracking tonearm. I am currently using the UNIverse on my apollo and the airy 3 on my ariadne signature(both silver version vs copper windings). I run both through my zyx artisan phono. I agree with doug pretty closely about the neutral nature of these cartridges. I have not tried a copper coil but if i get the change, i will try to snag one of the UNIverse that Sorasound still has. I will say the airy is very good but the UNIverse is better especially on jazz. The new Bright Mississippi album by touissant will get you looking for the guys in the room. I can not comment much on classical because i just do not listen to much classical. The airy 3 does need to be tune in with the correct vta and vtf but once tuned, will do a great job for you. The one thing i will warn you about the zyx cartridges (at least the two i am using)is they have small stylus and will find every clump of dirt on your records so be prepared to clean your records if you have never used this type of stylus(i think its called a microridge type of cut). Hope this helps you in your decision
stefanoo OP
103 posts
 
Thank you.
unfortunately I can't go for the Universe as it is too expensive at the moment and that is why I was deciding between A3 and D4/Atmos.

If the Atmos has the same family sound of the A3 and the Universe, but it is an half way between the A3 and Universe, than it might be a good compromise for the price and an excellent choice for a little more money.

Unfortunately I have read some posts on the net that weresaying that the Atmos has a different sound from the other ZYX which makes it work better with Electronic/Rock music and that will be more generous with not good recordings which is a characteristic of a low level pick up IMHO.
While the A3 and the Universe will tell you more about the record and the system and that is basically what I am looking for.
But the I read that the Atmos will outperform the A3 on all the aspects so I get confused.
If anybody could give more thoughts in this regard....maybe it will help...perhaps people who switched from the A3 to the D4 and mostly listens to acoustic/vocal music.
stefanoo OP
103 posts
 
Just one update:

I spoke with a dealer and he told me that the 4D is a better cartirdge than the Atmos saying that it is based on the same design but the magnets were upgraded.
I also said that the 4D supposedly performs better than the Atmos which I believe was already plenty as it was the Airy 3.... :)

Wherever I have read everybody states that the Atmos and the 4D are the same pick up...so I don't know.
nolitan
865 posts
 
another cart you can consider which i have heard for a length of time w/ the Classic TT is the Shelter 501, Shelter 5000.
Both are great !!
Good luck.
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