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
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