ZYX Fuji vs. Lyra Helicon

Thomasheisig, I disagree. I have owned several Lyras. The manufacturer's instructions for the Helikon recommends loading values from 10 - 47k ohms. 47K was not specifically recommended by the manufacturer. However, the higher values could produce a more "spacious and open" sound. The manufacturer did suggest experimentation. I have tried values from 100 to 47k with my ARC PH2 and have determined that, in my system, 100 ohms provided sufficient liquidity and richness without compromising "air" "spaciousness" and "treble extension".

I believe you, when you write that in your System sounds best with a xyz load. It is in a way System dependant,
when I go down from 47 k ot let's say 100ohms I can NOT hear some Details I heard before.
They are gone. And the presentation became slow, more dull, out of life and air.

Lyra made all carts for 47K ( from design ) and later, when they were in the market, they saw, they have problems with their recommendation for 47k only, because there are not much phono stages out there, which can handle that in the best way. same politics for High Output MC's, btw.
Life is much easier for all with a recommendation from 10 ohms to 47k ohms. It is very good for sale and the dealers recommend them faster ....
Well, I used my Lyra's with 47k, here they sounded best in my System. I remember a Importer recommendation ( some years ago ) who told me, to go for 47 K when I have a good phono stage which is silent ....
Anyway, fun counts.

Thomasheisig:

I guess I do not have "..a good phono stage which is silent...". Your ranting is based purely on "hearsay" from some "importer". It is incredible how willing you are to take the word of an importer over the manufacturer.

My point is simple: if the Helikon appears to be lean in tonal balance after using a 47k load, try lower loading values (even as low as 100 ohms). The actual loading value depends on the associated gear, room and personal preference.

With many moving coil cartridges set at 47k ohms, the high frequencies get accented a little with a rising frequency response. Some people like this, and some people don't. Personally, I don't, and load my cartridges at or near the manufacturer's recommendations, which in my case with a Shelter is 100 ohms or 40 ohms with a transformer. Some people I know load them higher and prefer it. If you want a little bit of extra "zing" in the high end, that is one way to get it.

Hi Chris,

I am using the ZYZ R100 Fuji Low Output since over 1 year now, and I find it it one of the very best MC's ever. Only the ZYX R-1000 is probably better, and that costs really a fortune. I had the following MC's for comparison: Lyra Parnassus DC, Shelter 901, Koetsu Urushi, Koetsu Onyx, Koetsu Rosewood, v.d.Hul Grasshoppers, Benz Ruby II, and Transfiguration.
I have several input transformers incl. the ZYX 1000, and
with that the Fuji outperformed all of them. Period.
It is the most neutral, most "not-there" cartridge I'ver ever heard. Some find it slightly boring. That is because in my "ears" they are fixed on stunning colorations, which the ZYX does not produce. Spacial information is outstanding: Where there is air filled with something unnatural with most cartridges, with the ZYX there is just air. It feels so real, that you can grasp the instruments.

But... music material is also what matters! If you listen to jazz, classical music, natural recordings, then that is
the right cartridge. If you listen mainly to Rock and electrical music, you might find it boring. As it is neutral, i.e. it shows as well the mistakes on recordings. Most rockmusic is artificial, and you can hear that.

The VPI arm is by no means wrong for the Shelter 901. I would rate the 901 third after the Top Koetsus, which have some kind of magic, that has to be heard in the right system.

Anyway: I cannot say anything about active MC-stages, I do not like those. MC-Transformers are a must (exception is an old French design but that is unavailable). Mc-trannies are very difficult, the Jensen transformers are good, forget any Ortofon, but the ZYX 100 is supposed to be great as well.

If you have decided to buy the Fuji, then mail me, and I can give you some hints.

Greetings

goodmusic