ZYX UNIverse X-SB 0.24 sounding "too much"


Hello everyone.

Recently acquired UNIverse x-sb 0.24 and using it on a Naitais Lenco L75 + Ringmat Anniversary with SME3012R arm and it sounds "too much". Comparing to the XV1s (tracking at 2.10), it sounds "too much", female vocals are too much. Another way to put it is too dynamic(?). It's doesn't sound worse than the XV1s, but very very different. Currently tracking at 1.95 or there abouts. Any ideas? Adjustment, tweak issue or loading, or tracking angle?

Rest of vinyl front end is Audio Note M7 with Bent MU 1:20 Silver transformers. Universe loaded to about 110 ohms. XV1s run on open load 125 ohms.

Regards,
David
linnmaster

Showing 2 responses by radicalsteve

Raul,

I experienced the same with the UNIverse and while nothing can hold a candle to the clarity, detail, dynamics and air of this cartridge, it seems to go awol on the really bottom end so it comes across as lean and one yearns for it to be unctuous as well as so clear.

I have played around with loading into transformers quite a bit but there always seemed to be some kind of trade off; as low end improved went up, highs became ragged.

ANYWAY, I was totally shocked when I tried the ZYX pre-pre (into the Aesthetix IO-sig). The low end appeared like never before, with no trade offs in the space or extension.

Now it is complete and you can have your cake and eat it with a UNIverse!

Steve
I am with Halcro on the UNIverse set up. Have had it in many arms and have found a wide +/- tolerance to set up paramters for VTF, VTA etc. In many ways the cartridge is somewhat benign to different arms, seems to work best in mid effective mass arms. I did find the bass missing a bit more in unipivots and the best match so far is the Grandezza, but frankly it sounds wonderful in a variety of good arms - which makes it an attractive proposition to acquire. I have it at 1.9g and neutral VTA,using Baerwald alignment.

Steve