ZYX Airy 3 Best SUT

Sorry folks it was a typo the output is .24mv

Furthermore...

the Airy 3's output is actually higher than .24mv if industry standard test tracks are used. ZYX uses a less commonly known test LP to measure output, one which results in lower numbers. Multiply by about 1.34 to get an output that's comparable to most other carts... ie, around .32mv.

ZYX's impedance spec of > 100 ohms is when using an active gain stage. That figure is irrelevant for stepups. Many years ago I did the math and then carefully optimized our Bent Audio stepups for Airy 3 and later for UNIverse. It took a lot of trial and error, as the tiniest resistor changes were audible. Calculations are lost in the depths of time but the Bent's ability to easily swap resistors was very helpful.

Even better would be a design that lets you swap resistors on both the primary and secondary windings to control resonance peaks in both the cartridge and the tranny (Zobel network). Truly matching an SUT to a particular LOMC requires a lot of work, not to mention a fair sized pile of resistors.

All that said, one of the best, untuned SUTs I ever heard with a ZYX was a friend's Cotter. If you come across a used one it would be worth buying.

Dougdeacon I am using the Universe copper and I don't load my phono stage at all. I am using Aesthetix Io Signature. I found by loading I lose the air and dimension of the soundstage and the high end becomes duller. So 47K sounds great to me.

I am using a Denon AU320 SUT with my Audible Illusions Modulus 3B preamp. I am running a ZU/Denon Dl 103 with .3mv output. The sound is excellent.