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Zyx Universe. O.24 mv vs .48 mv with low eff spkrs

I have a dilema

My Zyx Universe .24mv cartridge appears to be loosing its suspension characteristics. I believe an arm bearing not moving freely put too much wear on it.

I have 84 db speakers and have to crank at pretty high levels to get my volume up far enough to resolve things.

I know a .24 mv is going to have slightly more resolution and speed but woud I be better going with the .48 and having less stress on the amplification and higher output volumes?
audiotomb
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb OP
1,112 posts
 
1) no the Doshi behaves very well at the top end

2) getting close to wanting to, it is usually just enough for my louder listening, but I have to use a hi watt amp (Van Alstine 600r)

it was great volume synergy before dropping to lower efficiency speakers

think we have the answer
the move to the .48mV is too high a drop in performance
deal with the volume issues another way
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,162 posts
 
Lose those speakers.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
it was great volume synergy before dropping to lower efficiency speakers...

Think so, too. With your amps I would use Electrostats.....I know, there are very strong tube amps out but see it with a car explanation, a low efficiency speaker is like a fat car, for example a Mercedes 500, your amp is like a strong engine. When you accelerate, all is fine but when you drive small, curvy rads with a lot of speed changes, the MB500 can do that but it is work and you will feel, it is not made for that. Same engine in a car with half weight (= a high sensitive speaker) and all those accelerations, curvy driving is easy like breathing. You have much more fun with driving, or with listening to subtle details. OTL are a match for Stats (or Horns) based on their Design. Here you get the best out of it.

Normally are Zyx carts durable, but a defect Arm kills every suspension. I did never trust Triplanar for example, my choice is Graham Phantom.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
You're using OTL's with 84db speakers? Why?

I never understood the point of low efficiency speakers. They put such demands on the amplification chain that sonics are bound to suffer. Show an amplifier an easy load and it'll dance or whisper or roar, as the music demands. Weigh it down with inefficiency and difficult impedance levels and, well, it just won't.

A pair of Krell monoblocks could drive those speakers easily... but you'll never hear what a UNIverse is capable of through a SS amp. Time to re-assess your priorities?
jwm
918 posts
 
I agree with Doug Deacon. You are using the wrong amp with this speaker. Atmospheres really do not like loads below 6 ohms and with this low efficiency you really need at least 200 tube watts. I would not like the match of these two pieces as they have the same sonic character. The Salk speakers are very open but tend to be on the lighter side and this is the same signature of the atmaspheres. Oh boy what a poor synergy. Thats why you see atmaspheres with Sound Labs because Sound Labs are on the warm side of neutral and the atmaspheres are on the leaner side. I'm not judging you as you make like this kind of sound. I wish you the best.
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