I have joined in the ZYX Family


Funny how change comes about. I’ve been intending to get a tube preamp for years 10-12 years. Instead, I got a tube amp which sounds great. . Tube amp with SS preamp sounds GREAT. FWIW, the SS Preamp was a Stereophile Class A Conrad Johnson PFR. So, its not like I was shooting in the dark. The PFR is a really good preamp. And the Bob Latino ST-70 seems to be a great fit along with the Silverline Sonatas. So I set out to get my turntable up to its optimum. I have a Teres 340 which has an Origin Live Illustrious 3 with Benz Ebony L cartridge. I put the OL Illustrious on it as a temporary arm. I figured the Teres deserved much better. But Maybe I am wrong. It sounds great. However, being an audiophile, I can’t leave it alone. So I set out to get a new tonearm worthy of the Teres 340. But then someone reminds me that a cartridge will make more difference than a tonearm upgrade, especially since the tonearm is a pretty good one. . So I consider the idea and come across a ZYX 4D for a good price. Thank you Raulirigueus(sp) for the idea. In the process, I saved some $$$ too. I’ve wanted a ZYX for quite some time. NOW, I see what all the fuss is about. This cartridge is fabulous. Next up is to clean the electric. Oneac seems to be a good way to go. But, who knows. My plans often go sideways. But I’ve really made some big steps forward thanks to some good advice and the good Lord above who over rules my ignorance. FWIW I often pity those who miss the beauty of good music. I love it. Thanks for your help along the way.
128x128artemus_5
According to SORAsound, MC's going through step up transformers are sensitive to loading:

"Some general comments, pertaining to more than ZYX phono cartridges obviously. Assuming you’re not using stepup transformers, the optimum impedance for a LO (.24mv) ZYX will usually fall somewhere between 50 and 200 ohms. The ideal value will vary from system to system, since it depends on the electrical characteristics of the tonearm cable, phono cable and other components. Experimentation in-system is the only way to determine the optimum impedance for any MC. I’d suggest starting at around 100 ohms, then moving up or down from there depending on sonic results.

If you are using step-up transformers, I’ll need to know your step-up (turns) ratio or gain (in db) to make a recommendation. MC’s are extremely sensitive to impedance loading when the signal is going into a step-up, so more experimentation will be required."



chakster, for $8500 I would also try to return to life Miyabi but

there are also Miyabi's in disquise under Levinson's and Krell's

names for much less money. Besides those are the ''real Miyabi's.

@chakster 

The JLTi is a great bang for buck phono stage. I've had it for 8 yrs or so and have never felt the need to upgrade. FWIW, they are still available though they are now made by Joe Rassmussen in Australia. He was Allan Wrights partner, associate.
@artemus_5

well, then my JLTi version is newer than yours (and the price is even lower), i got it for a year, comes from Australia, from Bjoern Rassmussen (who’s got a Danish roots, he’s originally from Copenhagen). My JLTI was modified by Joe to let me go much higher than 47k (100k for example for MM carts). I’m experimenting now with FR-7f using JLTi with Luxman 8030 Toroidal Silver SUT for low impedance carts, or with ZYX CPP-1 Pre-Preamp with 125ohm fixed load. This Fidelity-Research FR-7f is a killer cartridge, i think it’s a very special MC, so Nandric was right. Must be a cartridge of the month for me.
Chakster

Why use a SUT? Doesn’t yours have the loading plug & switching for LOMC? I saw that Joe is building the Mk2 version rather than the Mk4 which is what I have. But I’m not sure of the features on it. I could tell that he (Joe) is very much into modding equipment. Quite interesting