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ZYX cartridge looking for advises

I did my homework already, was trying to get an answer on many Audiogon forum places, but still few things to clarify. I know how busy you are, would appreciate for helping.

I am looking to buy Airy 3, low output, copper coil, with SB.
Would VPI Classic or Airy with JMW10.5i be sufficient to handle this cart properly (I read that JMW 9 is considered as underachiever for this)?
Would it be “mandatory” to get VTA on the fly, I know you are a big fan of adjusting VTA for each disk/play?

How to be sure that cart is brand new and the blue ZYX securing tape was never removed and reinstalled back/glued or so, how do the original blue secure tape ends are connected together, any kind of thermal press or so?

I would appreciate for your comments.
rokokono
rokokono OP
17 posts
 
Davems, thanks for sharing your experience.
I am settled already on Airy 3 X-SB.
The last thing I need to decide - is it VPI Classic or Airy will be my ZYX cart "carrier"?
bnrlaw
130 posts
 
I am sure you will be happy with your purchase. Being able to dial in the vta on the 10.5 arm should make a nice difference over the 9arm.
However, I still think a unipivot arm is not the best arm for the ZYX. I would love to hear from anyone else who has heard the ZYX on different arms.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
When you set up the ZYX, set the arm height (SRA/VTA) as follows:

With a light shining behind the Stylus the diamond should be 92 degrees (2 degree tilt forward) resting on a record with typical thickness. Use a magnifying glass. Compare the angle to an index card (with a vertical line and 2 degree line). Take your time.

Next make very fine adjustments (a few index marks), (each mark is 1/3 of 1/10,000") on the VPI 10.5 arm. Listen for 3D, dynamics, and deep sound stage. Hard bright sound, and over tight bass - lower very slightly. Rolled off highs, and loose bass - raise very slightly.

After 20 or 30 hours of playback, fine tune, in fractions of one index mark.

I use the original VPI JMW 10, with no cable twist, VTF of 1.9 gm, and the ZYX Airy 3 is the best I have heard!

Arm height adjustment to the ninth degree, is a make or break, to get the best from the ZYX Airy 3.

Do not believe those that say the VPI JMW 10 or 12 series is a poor match!

don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Another suggestion!

Listen to your system for at least an hour before adjusting the SRA/VTA.

When records are cut, the cutter head is set to 92 degrees with a microscope, and as a result the correct playback SRA will be spot on, with 80% of LPs.

The JMW 9 and 10.5i special does not have a micrometer head height adjustment, and is a poor choice for the ZYX airy 3 IMO.
rokokono OP
17 posts
 
Don_c55, thank you for your detailed instructions, they will be very helpfull since I never thought about having a cartridre requiring so refined fine tune adjustments, and looking for a tonearm allowing those adjustments.

Finally I got my Airy 3-X-SB. It really looks impressive.
Now I need to focus on getting the right turntable.
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