VPI Classic and ZYX 4D

I have to admit that I'm pretty impressed with my 4D-X. It is the copper version with low output. I've had it for just over a month now, it replaced a low output UNIverse with silver coils, which I owned for 4.5 years. I was expecting this to be a step down, since I don't have the $$$ to spend on a cartridge now that I did in 2005, but I feel like it's a lateral step instead. The copper 4D has better articulation and extension, the silver UNIverse was a bit sweeter in the midrange.

FWIW, my 4D is mounted on a Basis 2500 Signature table with Vector 3 tonearm, phono stage is a Klyne 7PX5.

Nice system.
Your experience is very interesting.
you are the second one on this post who had a Silver universe and now likes the 4D better.
Too bad it wasn't a Copper Universe so that we would have ended this Saga, where people thing the Amos=4D
I personally don't think so.
I still don't think that a Silver Universe can sound worse than a copper 4D just because it is Silver.
Absolutely not.
Even reading reviews around the world where they compare the silver vs copper, they talk about small differences, perhaps preferences.
True the copper is the most neutral, but I don't think silver makes it slow, less articulate less dynimic.

Anyways.... can I know what is the serial number on your 4D?

I purchased mine something like 2 months ago or so.
So mine is brand new too.

Actually, if you re-read this thread, there is only one person who says this....me. I am the first and the second one. Also, if you re-read my last post, you will see that I did NOT say that the UNIverse S-SB sounded worse than the 4D-X SB2, I said they sounded DIFFERENT. The edge in dynamics and speed going to the 4D the edge in sweetness and musicality to the UNIverse.

Which one a listener would prefer would depend on what the listener is looking for sonically. Don't worry about which is best, stop listening to test tracks and just try to enjoy the music. The ZYX 4D-X is a fine cartridge.

Cheers,
John

Actually I just re-read my first post and I did say the 4D was "better" than my UNIverse. That was probably just initial excitement (I'd had it for less than a week at the time). After time to think about it, I feel that my last post is more accurate, they are simply different....that's all.

John,

still, Universe is supposed to be better like saying Airy 3 Vs. 4D or Fuji vs. Airy 3.
There is no doubts that one is better than the other, beside they are surely different too.
So all in all, besides the difference the Universe should have still been clearly better.
But hey, people who tried the Atmos vs. Universe had no doubts about it and went back to the Universe.
If it is not the case now, I would say something is different :) .

BTW, I do not listen to test tracks.
But hey, you got to set your system up first, don't you?
As you would say, when I was testing it I just had the cartridge mounted on the tonearm for a week so...it's not like I am still listening to HiFi-test!!!

P.S I tried to email you back but it bounced back...maybe your account is full?
I wanted to tell you that I have on the manual the 7124.
ehehe.