Fine tuning: Airy3 on DPS

Nice combo! Congratulations.

IME a good starting VTA point for a ZYX can be set as follows: view the cartridge from the side. You'll see a ridge running the full length of the acrylic body just above the bottom of the cartridge. That ridge should typically be level or VERY SLIGHTLY nose down. Adjust by ear from there.

Divo,

If you're running into a high gain phono stage (no transformers) then IME 100 ohms is ABOUT right. Every system is unique however. In one (slightly bright) system an Airy 3 wanted something a bit lower than that. I haven't heard one in any system where 300 ohms was right, though YMMV of course.

In any system, be prepared for changes during the break-in period. If you've read my review you'll remember that our Airy 3 needed 6 or 8 progressively lower impedance settings during the first 100 hours. Don't be surprised if what sounds well-balanced today becomes too bright tomorrow. Our Airy 3 did that repeatedly. Be patient, it's worth it, but don't expect any adjustment to hold until you have at least 100 hours on the cartridge.

The sign of full break-in is a sudden and startling integration and extension of soundstaging, imaging and air plus a reduction of grain in the upper mids and treble. When those things happen the cartridge's impedance needs should remain stable and the adjustments Thom suggested should hold for longer than a few hours or days.

Enjoy the ride!