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

Dear/caro Stefano
in the forum I think will be better to write in English than Italian.
I'm located in Torino, that is also the town of the italian importer (Hi-fi Center.it, also located in the small town of Pinerolo).
Yes I know... the high output has less reputation than Lower out versions. Since my prephono gain is fixed (56 db) and usually I put volume knob during playing from 10 a.m. to 13, I suppose that lower versions are not so good for me, maybe I'm wrong.
I'll ask after spring time to the italian importer to try a lower out demo, since I purchased many items in the past from them I hope that they don't refuse to give me a chance of listening a 4D in my system.
My next tonearms choice will be within Graham B44 or Triplanar VII to find in the used market. I'm still more curious about linear tracking Analog Advanced MG1, appearently a great bargain, but I still find tedious to have one more ac connection and a (probably noisy) external pump.. so... I'll remain in a classic configuration...
a presto / cheers
Marco

Marco,

for the low output you definitely need a 61-62dB of gain.

It looks like your preamplifier doesn't put any extra game so for a fair comparison High out vs. Low out, I'd suggest borrowing a different phono section.

BTW what is your phono stage?

My phono stage is a custom modified unit from Counterpoint.
Mike Elliott personally modify old SA-5 preamp in a full phono stage that can compete (in sound quality) with legendary two chassis SA-9 introduced in 1986 .
It's named SA9 junior; In his website (see altavistaaudio) he describes extensively components, trasformers and features. I had it since may 2007 and I'm satisfied for now. I forgot to mention that load of this unit was measured and is 295 ohms.
P.S. My linestage now is an ARIA WV11XL.
Thank you Stefano!
reg.s
Marco

nice stuff!! good for you.

Just one question: Do you or any other ZYX user here have the pick up set without anti-skating force?

I have read around that the 4D/Atmos as any other or at least most of the new high end pick up (including therefore the Airy 3) will run better with little or zero antiskating....is that true?
Won't this cause the cantilever to bend to one side?

I am really concerned to not ruin the 4D as it is a very expensive pick up and I would like to keep the cantilever as straight as possible for as long as the pick up goes :))

Yes Stefano, I used sometimes with antiskating removed from my Sirynx arm. Also the Italian importer suggested to me to try without AS, but recently I goes back with re-using it because cantilever was evidently not so straight during playing.
Sonic performance was excellent without AS, but for safety of the cartridge I prefer to have AS, also if it's not easy to set on my tonearm.
ciao
Marco