2. analog
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Upgrade my Turntable????

I just purchased a new ZYX Airy 3 from Mehran aka Sorasound and am completely blown away at the difference between it and my Grado Statement Ref. (which was by no means a slouch). I am hearing much more of everything: resolution, extension, tonal color, dynamics, etc. etc. I cannot recommend this cartridge enough.

I currently have it mated to a VPI Aries/JMW 10, and I am wondering how much of an improvement a higher end (see more expensive) TT might make. Would a VPI/HRX, or a Teres 340 be a huge improvement or am I very solidly at the point of diminishing returns with my Aries? As you all know it is next to impossible to audition anything analog in your system before buying, so any advise is appreciated.

If I might add an adendumn to my question; I wonder if anyone has compared the top TT's from the larger companies like VPI and Basis to the Teres products. I sure would like to go for the Teres if they are as good as some people say (and if I ever get that kind of dough) but worry about a small company eventually going under and leaving me with an unserviceable product.

Thanks in advance

Chris
cmo

Showing 3 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Cmo,

Glad to hear your reaction to the Airy 3-SB. I know two other guys who went from Grado Statement Ref to ZYX R100 Fuji or higher. Their reaction was the same as yours.

Your longevity concerns re: a Teres were well addressed by C123666. Sourcing another wood platter would be all but impossible, but there are few other items of concern. The bearing would be expensive to duplicate but a Teres bearing should last about 1,000 years - unless you do something really stupid. The ball and thrust plate will wear, but those are easily obtained or made by any machine shop.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Audio99,
You'll get stronger dynamics with an Airy 3 than an Airy 2, especially on an SME IV. Unless your system is exceptionally dynamic or your room is very lively I'd consider the next step up.

If the Airy 2 is your budgetary limit you could get one of Mehran's demo Airy 3's for about the same as a new Airy 2. That would be my choice, FWIW. I know for certain he has an Airy 3-X-SB with <80 hours on it, and will offer a prorated warranty.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I heard the 2 was warmer than 3,so i went with it.
I'd say "smoother", if that's the opposite of "livelier". Both are tonally neutral, neither warm nor cool.

I expect you'll love it, but if it doesn't quite "boogie" enough for your tastes both the Airy 3 and UNIverse would resolve that deficiency.

The UNIverse shocked me again last night. After 15 weeks it still does that regularly. Even records I've played with it before sound new with repeated plays. I'm going to hear it next to a couple of $10K+ cartridges soon. It will be interesting to see if the "lowly" $5K ZYX can hold its own.
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