jazman

jorjen, The better discussion on the ZYX Universe was provided in the link below to an Audiogon thread, but be prepared for an all "pro's" review. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ranlg&1117141508&openusid&zzDougdeacon&4&5#Dougdeacon Klipsch out. Thanks Jazman. Yes, I read that thread quite some time ago. Very good intel. I am going to have to give one of the Airy carts. a try when finances allow and can get back to the right table and arm. Universe is out of my league cost and system wise. Did you deal directly with Mehran when you picked yours up? He is close by in the Bay Area, right? jorjen Here's another multi-line review from the Audiogon forum more specific to the Airy 2 and Airy 3. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ranlg&1104115011&openusid&zzDougdeacon&4&5#Dougdeacon And yes, I dealt directly with Mehran, who lives here in the Bay area. I had set aside a "war chest" so to speak, to attempt to bring out the best in my vinyl. My original plan was a used VPI TNT table, but compromised with a used Aries, leaving more for a great cartridge and some other refinements. The Universe was/is beyond me also, especially with my son starting college, but maybe one day. The Airy 3 (LOMC) is however, quite satisfying and I may never push the additional step to a TNT table and Universe cartridge. If the dollars came my way though, can't say I'd pass on the 12.6 arm, on a TNT table, and mount a Universe on it. But that's just me, and not the type of expenditure I recommend for other's, unless they are so inclined. Needless to say, comparatively speaking, not an astounding amount to spend for top level vinyl performance. Klipsch out.

Wolfam, We have different arms, so I really can't speak to the SME setup. I swapped the Denon in this morning, and if the rear of the arm is up, the sound seems to thin a bit. Lowered rear of arm surrenders some of the upper liquidity. I could be more definite if I spent the next couple of weeks playing only the 103D with everything set from scratch for the Denon. When I can add the cartridge weight, I'll visit this again and we can exchange some emails. Klipsch out.

jorjen, The better discussion on the ZYX Universe was provided in the link below to an Audiogon thread, but be prepared for an all "pro's" review. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ranlg&1117141508&openusid&zzDougdeacon&4&5#Dougdeacon Klipsch out.

Wolfam, I apologize for this late response. There was once a page posted on the web with photos and some data on the "gazillion" Denon 103 models that were manufacured and sold by Denon. I've been searching for it for two days and can't find it. Guy had posted the link, but the search engine is not helping me find it. As for VTA settings, I prefer the tonearm parallel to the record, but my arm will allow me to make VTA adjustments on the fly if something sounds a bit off on a thicker LP. I've never used anything added to the top of the cartridge, though I am considering purchasing a cartridge weight that VPI now sells for those who wish to add mass to the tonearm. Klipsch out.

I have an ASU PP-1 phono preamp (tube) available for sale. It will be posted on Audiogon soon and is a nice souding unit. If interested send me an email and I will return a photo. e_long@sbcglobal.net. Klipsch out.

Dean, I have written in this forum, more than once or twice, that rectifier tubes can make a difference in the sonics of an amp, in particular some SET monoblock circuits. I particularly remember several someones' who "thinks they know", even one who angrily stated that it could not be possible, and that all rectifiers sound alike. I'm so glad you had this experience, not the blown tube part, but replacement with a different brand, and was brave enough to report it. Klipsch out.

"Thanks for the info jazz. I haven't even put my HRX together......still using my VPI scout,the dynavector 10x5 does not need a pre amp.... What stepus trans do you suggest??" Sorry to take so long to get back to you with a response. I unplugged for a couple of days. I also read your recent post about the Dynavector recomendation from VPI. Harry likes Dynavector products, (with no arguments from me), and worth investigating as are recommendations for the Lyra, and Transfiguration products. No one spoke for Benz, but I've heard the Benz Micro Ruby 3 on a VPI TNT table and worthy of consideration. Back to step up transformers. My step up is made with Tamura trannies which I prefer after hearing a few others. I should also mention that new Tamura trannies are not the cheapest option. Many people like the S&B trannies used in the MU, which also can be made with any other trannies that will fit in the MU cans, some like Jensens, Allan found a classic pair of trannies he likes also, but the name escapes me at the moment. Here's a link to get you started and thinking. I posted this before in this forum some time ago, and is a decent starting point. http://members.myactv.net/~je2a3/mic-mcstep-up.htm Klipsch out.

That would probably be the guy who said "I might suggest the ZYX Universe. I have not heard it personally..." All the statements like "I've heard those and they can't compare with these" are great for you but what if someone else can't hear the difference? That's a lot of change to spend for someone new for the hobby who probably doesn't even have a clue as to how to set the darn thing up on the turntable to get that high-end sound. What's wrong with helping other people go through some of the same learning and discover process that you did? That's half the fun of it anyway, and the other half is listening to the music. Def, First of all, I suggested the ZYX Universe based on the initial basis of the post, which is "cost, no object". Second, I own the cartridge which is the top world wide product offering in the ZYX product line which provides some first hand frame of reference, as well as being based on personal discussions and some relationship with the U.S. ZYX distributor, I have more than casual faith that it is worthy of a "'cost, no object" recommendation. I did recommended the ZYX Airy R1000 Airy 3 which I DO own and have heard, and hear daily. FYI, the Universe is a limited production build by ZYX as a "cost, no object" offering, produced by direct request of the U.S. distributor, and available only through the U.S. distributor. You can find some in depth comments on the Universe on the Audiogon forum if that would help you. If you, or someone else can't hear the difference in different levels of products, that's fine. It indicates several possibilities, one of which could be lack of experience, which would also indicates one should not be shopping in that level of the market. One thing it does NOT indicate is, that there is no difference. I hope that clarifies things better for you. BTW, I do try to buy audio products from a range of product options determined as "best I can afford" kind of list created after some research and auditions whenever possible. Yes, I understand the "audio law of diminishing return". I also read and participate in this forum because it is important that I read other peoples opinion, whether I agree with them or not. More important however, you seem to have a problem with anyone who may be willing to invest more in their audio system than you are willing to spend. That's fine too, and could easily be addressed by you in your own post, maybe titled "How I created an audio system that sounds as good as any on the face of the earth for less than the cost of ....." or whatever. I will look forward to it and surely read it with zeal. Klipsch out.

tjnif, Def is probably a bit miffed because I wrote that he was "Def"(deaf[]) in another thread. Sorry Def. [A] Congrats on a great price for the HRX. I have not heard the Kaitora, but if I considered going that far pricewise, I would not stop short of one of the two XV-1 cartridges. You already seem to know how to work on getting a better than list price. You must also already have a phono pre of some sort since you currently have a TT. What are you currently using? A high quality pair of step-up transformers may be all you need, and you could come well under the cost of the PHA-200. Klipsch out.

Wolfam, The Denon 103D is considered the highest evolution of the Denon 103 series. It is a wonderful cartridge. That said, I own the DL103D along with several other Denon LOMC cartridges, including the DL-S1 which is the top Denon LOMC available currently. As wonderful as the Denon cartridges are, and many may never feel the need to go further, it does not provide the performance of the ZYX R1000 Airy 3. I have the DL103D and the ZXY Airy 3 both mounted for duty with my VPI Aries turntable. (VPI has a cartridge weight to add additional mass which may create a closer battle.) The 103D will always sound very musical, but when you can follow it, or preceed it, with the ZYX, then you can understand the Airy 3 is the better performing cartridge. Without that type of close playback of the two, I can understand thinking the DL103D is all one may want or need. It is also important to note, as both Max and Wollfam already know, evaluating a cartridge in a system requires more than one or two playbacks of a favorite LP, but also many hours of listening to many LPs. I can state from personal experience, the ZYX is "REAL". For others browsing this thread; I should also mention that Max and I both arrived at our appreciation for the ZYX Airy 3 without prior discussions of it, so there is no collusion on our part to send anyone forth to spend more money for no gain. I also know of an individual using a Basis table/ Graham tonearm with ZYX Airy 3, with many years of audio experience, who felt the Airy 3 was the best cartridge he has experienced. Again, only the ears of the buyer can determine where the performance line is drawn in the sand, as well as how much he/she is willing to pay for that performance. Klipsch out.

That can hold true more so within given price ranges. I will not argue that one can find good sounding cartridges without spending your entire stash of US Treasury notes, but in general, the more performance you want to receive, most often it will mean higher costs. The more exotic materials and more sophisticed production processes come into play. Klipsch out.

Max, Yes, the ZYX R 1000 Airy 3 comes with the silver cartridge weight included in the box. Klipsch out.

Allan Songer purchased a digital gauge from the far east and commented that he thought is was worth the money and accurate. Klipsch out.

Congratulations on purchasing the VPI HRX. Assuming you are using a JMW 12.5 arm or better with your HRX, if cost is no object, I might suggest the ZYX Universe. I have not heard it personally, but I use the ZYX R1000 Airy 3-S(silver coils), which is a killer cartridge. The Universe, by all reports, is even better. If you don't wish to splurge for the Universe, an R1000 Airy 3-C (copper coils) may fill your needs. Klipsch out.

Living proof that one can move from higher powered push pull amps, to lower powered SET amps, AND, life as we know it in this universe continues. The converse is also true. No topology debate is required. This is humbly submitted as audio systems "food for thought". Klipsch out.

Def, Sensible to who? If you can't hear the difference between the most carefully selected moderate cost audio system and a carefully selected high end system, YOU ARE DEF! So now we're back to where we started. You are only fooling yourself, but as long as you're happy ...................................................enjoy! I'm still waiting for something intelligent to respond to, but I'll cut my loss at this point. Klipsch out.

Daddy Dee, Which silver interconnects have you tried? I'm always a little more than curious when I read comments like yours. Silver is the best conductor. Quality and contruction are important factors, so please enlighten me? Klipsch out.

Gosh, what an unintelligent response. You forgot to tell us how much you've sunk into your electronic monstrosity. Def, When I read remarks like yours, "I certainly disagree. I've heard quite a few "high end" turntables and cartridges in action, all plugged into very expensive systems. One stands out as being one of the best systems I've ever heard, but that has more to do with a professionally designed room treatment than the system itself. I've heard several that didn't sound any better than my $400 turntable/cartride, despite costing as much as a new car, and certainly didn't sound better than CD's. To be fair, I've also heard a few CD players that cost as much as a car and didn't sound any better than the CD player I bought for $160 used. " to me are indications of either how poorly you hear, or/and indications of how little experience you have with vinyl and quality audio systems. Sorry Def, there is no way to sugar coat my response. To get an intelligent response, requires something intelligent to respond to. Klipsch out.

I certainly disagree. I've heard quite a few "high end" turntables and cartridges in action, all plugged into very expensive systems. One stands out as being one of the best systems I've ever heard, but that has more to do with a professionally designed room treatment than the system itself. I've heard several that didn't sound any better than my $400 turntable/cartride, despite costing as much as a new car, and certainly didn't sound better than CD's. To be fair, I've also heard a few CD players that cost as much as a car and didn't sound any better than the CD player I bought for $160 used. In all cases. the owners of these systems say basically the same thing that you say, and it seems to revolve more around a very large investment in equipment than any real improvement in sound. Without a doubt......................., you are definitely "Def"! Get yourself a Blose system. Klipsch out.

Thanks. I may try to purchase them. Klipsch out.

Allan, As always, I shy away from the "best" category of almost any topic, but since you did not say Jazz Messengers only, there was one other stellar group. The 1961 group you're referring to is, Lee Morgan -trumpet; Wayne Shorter-tenor sax; Bobby Timmons-piano; Jymie Merritt-bass; plus Art. They are my favorite. Possible contender may be the early 50's gathering of Clifford Brown-trumpet; Lou Donaldson-alto sax; Horace Silver-piano; Curly Russell-bass; and Art. There are some who will always say Clifford was the best trumpet player ever, and Horace was stronger than Bobby. Please don't throw any bricks up the coast at me, but I also liked Art's early 80's group with 2 sax's(Bobby Watson & Billy Pierce, as well as Branford Marsalis & Billy Pierce) with the young Wynton Marsalis. Different style, different period, but I heard these two later groups and their music was powerful. Klipsch out.

Which is exactly what I was trying to say from the beginning. In fact, I don't think I once attacked vinyl. Worst case I made an outsider comment to what apparently goes on in the 'vinyl world', which ultimately just takes away from valuable listening time. Dr. Who, It would seem more appropriate then to stick with what you may know, or think you know about digital, and not include the outsider comments on the vinyl world in your dissertations. It infers that if one knows something about one topic, by association it must mean one knows something about anything else included following the aforementioned topic. And yes, the music matters. Nevertheless, the quality of the presentation adds immensely to the enjoyment. Do I want to listen to AM radio all day, or one or two LPs. Quality vs quantity? Everyone must endeavor to decide for themself without the proselytism of how great digital is vs analog, or whatever, especially when you don't know what you're talking about. Klipsch out.

Dr. Who, Who are you BSing? On the issue of master reel to reels tape played on a home system. NO. They do not sound like crap on a good home system. I've heard a few. On "And then take into account that every playing of the vinyl adds to the wear and tear...how many times can you play a record before the change in sound is audible? I'm yet to get an answer to that one []" Again, you are speaking from a point of view, with evidently, no experience. I have LP's I purchased new that are over 25 or 30 years old that still sound great and I'm not a fanatic on record cleaning. Vinyl will last an incredible amount of time with "average" care. The wear and tear argument is very long in the tooth and very overplayed. It's easy to tell it's something you read, yet have no experience with. Last, if you enjoy what "You" are hearing, be it CD or AM radio, that's fine, but your arguments clearly indicate you have NO extensive experience with vinyl. Please don't pretend you have any expertise in this area. You don't. Klipsch out.

Dr. Who, That's hilarious. You make a big deal about hearing a $15,000 turntable system and you can't remember the name? Hmmmmm?????????? Klipsch out.

Bruce, I think the hum may be the result of less than proper tube/pin contact. I have had that problem with Sovtek 2A3s. Hold them at the base of the tube and see if any gentle movement affects the hum. I also suspect the hiss is a result of tube issues. I do remember reading a remark from Eric that the rectifiers tested on the low side. That can be a source of "soft" bass response. I do not have hum, nor hiss, and I'm using Khorns. Klipsch out.