Calling all ZYX aficionados

I just received my UNIverse today - and since I didn't have my new phono preamp yet, I installed it on a friends Avid Acutus table for a quick listen. We did this during our lunch hour.

Before installing the UNIverse we listened to his Dynavector XV1s. My initial impression was that the Dynavector sounded great. In the first few minutes of listening, I mentioned to my friend that this was similar to the sound I was looking for. Upon continued listening, I'd say the Dynavector XV1s was somewhat slow, very precise and very refined. To some extent, the Dynavector XV1s and its highly refined character made me wonder if the cartridge would become somewhat boring to listen to over the long term. Instruments were scaled accurately but seemed somewhat recessed as if they were off in the distance - under developed harmonically & far less audible compared to vocals.

While we removed the Dynavector and mounted the ZYX UNIverse, we both commented about the "hi-fi" nature of the Shelter 901. The 901 being less refined somehow made listening more enjoyable - but the paradox is that the Shelter's splashy character always seemed to leave me craving more refinement.

Upon completing the installation of the UNIverse we listened.

What I can say to summarize my quick (15 minutes) with the UNIverse is that it clearly is a great cartridge - new right out of the box. It has similar refinement to the Dynavector but seems to have better developed harmonics which make it more interesting to listen to. Instruments and vocals seemed more balanced and equal. The pace of the UNIverse was to some extent on par with the Dynavector (somewhat slow). I wasn't expecting this because everything I've read about the ZYX cartridges proclaim it to be very fast - which was not my impression at all. Cartridges like the Shelter 901 or Benz LP seem to be much faster than either the XV1s or the UNI.

The UNIverse has a great precision again much like the Dynavector but couples that with an open transparency & sweeter more inviting highs that the Dynavector seems to lack altogether (in comparison).

My friend thought the UNIverse was "tubey" sounding - full bodied and somewhat rich in the mids. Again, this was different than what I expected - particularly having read much about the ZYX cartridges in general.

We both felt the UNIverse (not broken in) may to some extent exaggerate the size of instruments by a small fraction vs. the XV1s.

Well.. that's the best I can do in 15 minutes of listening to the new cartridge. I'll keep y'all posted as this thing breaks in.

So far I am very impressed.

Bwhite, Thanks for the nice summary.

I have the XV1s and i had owned Airy 2S (low Output) for few months. XV1s can be a bit too slow depending on loading and phono pre. but with Xono at 250 ohm it's really fast. It's a heavy monster cartridge and it's required really stable arm.

However,the XV1s brother, Te kaitora Rua is more suitable for my system and taste. The high seems to be more extended and has ribbon like sparkles compare with the XV1s. The mids is also sweeter without being too warm like my previous Benz 2. (Airy 2S is drier in comparison)

One more thing, Te Kaitora Rua costs $2,550 compare with $4000 for XV1s and $3000 for Airy 2S.

I'm looking forward for UNIverse someday.

Although the intention was well meant,and appreciated(by analog's "pushing the envelope" fans),a lunchtime installation is laughably incomplete,in ANY kind of comparison.Especially in something like a cartridge,where so many factors,some taking MULTIPLE listening sessions to become obvious,are at play!!

Also,as to the ZYX UNIVERSE,which I'm sure is a fine performer,it simply MUST be compared to ALL of the top performers(and there are,now,MANY)to become as HOLY in perception as some of the AUDIOGONERS have allowed this design to appear to be.In each case,when the previious cartridges,of the new UNIVERSE owners,are mentioned,you MUST take into account that other(previous)equipment may have been refined as well.All systems,usually,are in a state of constant refinement(not necessarily upgrades of major components)so enough with this"The Universe is GOD's gift" attitude.Let's see what happens when the ultimate test of time allows comparison to many of the BIG HITTERS,in the cartridge domain.

At that point I will be more than happy to peel the egg off my face,and make an omlette.Until then I think a few well meaning,but over the top Philes are giving this particular model "long legs".

I'm also a bit suspicious of the price paid,for the Universe,by the few 'Goners that can't wait for the subject of this design to come up in a thread!!Although the ones I refer to I DO personally like,from previous correspondence!However I'm moving much more,these days,to the Arthur Salvatore way of looking at things,and I rather like it!!

Thank you all for your input.
I have found Mehran at SoraSound to be very helpful in my decision process. Four phone calls and six emails!!! Although the Universe is a better cartridge, my system will work best with the .43 mV output. The Airy 3S-SB is the one I have ordered. This is the first time I have spend so much money on a cartridge, and not even heard it in my system This could of only happened because of the great help from this board and reviews I have read. I am quit confident in my decision.
Thank you all again
BryanP

.
Sirspeedy, would you prefer your eggs sunny side up or scambled ?
.
Rgds,
Larry
.