Ray, I'm glad I was a positive influence with the ZYX. Funny, hanging around this site for so long hasn't given me the ability to describe things in audiophile terms. Try as hard as I can I still cannot describe the ZYX any better than it just sounds right. I'm so very glad you are enjoying it.

lugnut October 07, 2005 08:17

Thanks for the comments guys. Things continue to evolve. I recently added a Triangle DAC to the digital system and some different power cords for the amps and the Syrah. I also picked up enough additional Audio Points and pucks at RMAF to completely outfit the rig now. I can't say enough good things about Star Sound. Yeah, I know, their products are pricey but once you buy them you're done. No revolving door cones and such for this system.

Ray, I'm so glad you are happy with your ZYX. Hopefully, something I said tipped you over to buy one. There is a house sound and you may have bought the best bang for the buck cartridge they offer. I've told Barb that she should keep this Airy 3 forever and just send it in for rebuild when needed. I will convey to her your offer for a UNIverse whenever you hit the lottery though. LOL.

I really need to update this page with new photos and the current line of products I'm using. It's incredibly quiet now and I think it's as revealing/resolving as it's going to get without replacing the amps and speakers. I'd likely order the Harmonic Precision Caravelles and a new Berning ZH 270 right now if circumstances allowed. I'll also convey to Barb that this is the direction she should go if she wins the lottery.

Thanks again for the compliments.

lugnut October 05, 2005 08:26

It's storage guys. It's much easier to find a record this way instead of trying to read the edges. Actually I have too many records in each bin but I had to make them this deep unless I wanted wall to wall book cases. A basic description of what you do is build a 12" x 12" right angle shelf. what I'm describing here is not only a surface on the bottom but one on back as well. Install them with the front edge up at least one inch, no more than 1 1/4". Allow 1/2" clearance between the stacks AND put in a small dividing piece of 1/4" half round front to back. In this case I used 18" riser steps which are used for building staircases in home construction. They need no center support since they are super strong. I slowly eliminated about 3,000 records in the last several months so that I could have all my software in the music room. Each bin holds about 100 albums. Be advised that if you build them this deep you will need to remove about half the ablums when digging for something in the back. I don't find this much of an inconvenience in practice but some may be intimidated by it. Tilting the font edge up keeps the albums secured by gravity and they don't tumble out onto the floor. Thanks for the compliments.

The ceiling is actually nine feet which works out to about ideal dimensions. Got lucky with this aspect when we bought the home even though a dedicated listening room with concrete floor was one of our requirements. Man, I've got to update the photos. It looks so much better and sounds better too.

lugnut September 18, 2005 10:11

Ray,

I've followed your posting in another thread about your happiness with the RS20. I think Jphii has either the 20 or 30 and likes it a lot too. It's really saying something for a cartridge to better the venerable Denon 103R!

The other night Barb and I were listening to her choices and she became somewhat overwhelmed by what to pick after four or five LP's. We had last listened to the MOFI Beatles White Album, so staying in that vein I picked out McCartney's Bowl Full Of Cherries generic pressing, then moved onto Badfinger's first album. She commented with each one that it was like hearing it for the first time. That's been my experience as well using both the ZYX cartridges I've owned.

Having recently won an auction for a Toshiba Pro Use LP of Take The A Train, a direct to disk recorded so well it's spooky and dynamics that are unbelieveable, it arrived damaged by being folded at about a 30 degree angle. I had nothing to lose as it was either try and flatten it somehow or file an insurance claim as documented by the Postal Service prior to delivery. Thinking that it was pressure and not heat related I left it in the poly liner and worked it by hand incrementally along the crease into the opposite direction of the bend. After a few hours of messing with it and still being able to see the crease I played it. Now, remember my comment about the dynamics. The tonearm moved up and down violently as it tracked the crease but the album played fine on side one. Side two played fine too but there was a little noise that later went away after storing the album pressed between many others. Any other cartridge I've owned would have catapulted out of the groove at some point in play. You'd just have to see this record and the roller coaster ride the cartridge goes through. I'm so glad it's playable since this recording, while not expensive, is very rarely sold. I also recommend the Jun Fukamachi at Steinway Toshiba Pro Use LP. THIS is the finest piano recording I've ever heard by a long way. Again, inexpensive but rarely sold. These two records are IMO audiophile best buys and the ones to use not only for enjoyment but to show off your system. Thank me later.

UPDATE ON THE SYRAH. It's fixed. After corresponding with Mick I ordered a new umbilical cord. For some reason mine came with a six wire (which I had to add two wires to, bummer job BTW) which I didn't trust. I honestly don't think the modified umbilical was the culprit but feel better with the correct factory unit. Since Mick had indicated that it sounded like a faulty resistor I looked inside and found two that had obviously been hot at one time. They did measure to spec cold but I asked if he would forward replacements so I could at least try and fix the thing without having to ship it later halfway around the world. I put them in last Saturday and not a cough since. So, in my estimation it's fixed and I feel a lot better. My guess is that someone inserted line stage tubes in the regulator position which caused the resistors to get hot since they use the same sockets. That would be easy enough to do what with all the tube rolling that's advocated for this piece.

I really should update the photos and gear but two issues stand in the way. Dropped my camera and although it works it takes a long time for it to decide to do so. The room is also much darker now. We've added drapes and a pair of Freedom Doors as well as replacing the seating. The room can be very dark even in the daytime now which is my preference. That does make it hard to take a picture that is good without suplemental studio lighting. The flash just doesn't cut it at all. I'd sure like to do this and finish up since the system, except for two pairs of interconnects is as finished as it's going to be.

Once again Ray, I'm glad you were brave enough to try a lesser ZYX. Judging by my experience with the line, the sweet spot in money spent is probably with the R20 or 30. Don't get me wrong. If you ever win the lottery step up to the UNIverse. It's simply unreal. My Airy 3 S SB is a significant step up from the Yatra MK II which I loved. Cartridges = buying based on the recommendations of others and isn't cheap. It can be very scary what with all the bits and pieces needing to work in harmony. It's nice that the ZYX's match well with most tonearms.

Again, I appreciate all the positive comments on the room and system.

lugnut September 17, 2005 08:54

Ray, I had dinner with Mehran last weekend. What a great guy! Glad you'll be getting an R30.

Geez, I don't know if I'll ever update the photos and the equipment. Since dropping the camera it's a real bummer to get it to work and takes forever. Sorry about that.

I reluctantly contacted Mick about the preamp and its intermittent problems. My reluctance was due to it having several owners and my belief that it's no longer his problem. Also, shipping the thing around the world is something I'd prefer not to do. To make a long story short Mick has offered to fix it and bring it up to current specs for sooooo little money. I'll just have Barb send it to him at a later date. It works fine most of the time so I can live with it as is. Thought you guys might find this interesting in that he is going way out of his way to take care of his own.

lugnut August 31, 2005 08:00

Ray,

I've been very anxious to hear one of the less expensive ZYX cartridges myself. I'd love to. The lineup I am familiar with is the UNIverse (both copper and silver versions), the Yatra MK II which I owned until break in was complete and the Airy 3 S SB. I was so satisfied with the Yatra that I'd still have it if an incredible opportunity came along to upgrade. The story is that I had a pristine Nikon F2, aluminum case and a couple of fast Nikkor lenses and Mehran also deals in quality vintage cameras. My wife would never have used the Nikon and I appreciate not having to advertise it for sale. The Airy is clearly a step up and in my system the silver wire is a benefit.

Every ZYX I've heard share common traits that endear them to me. They are all very quiet in the groove campared to nearly every other cartridge I've heard. There is a rightness about them which I'm guessing is due to a lack of time smear. I wish I could recall the thread title so I could point you to it but recently someone was auditioning several cartridges in their system and favored the R30 above the Denon DL 103. We both know what kind of high praise that is what with the Denon's deserved cult following. Wish I could be more help here. If you are considering ordering one Mehran has always promised my total satisfaction or return the cartridge. It sure can't hurt to give one a try on those terms. Lastly, Mehran is the best retailer I've ever had dealings with bar none.

lugnut August 20, 2005 08:29

Simon,

Thanks for your comments. My Airy III Silver SB is nearing break in. I love it. I also just installed the Linn Silver tonearm cable after sending it to Cello for burn in. I like it a lot too.

I've got a lot of 6SN7's and surprisingly the best pair I have are Radio Shack Lifetime Gold Pins that were NOS and made in Japan. I honestly don't have a clue who made them but boy are they quiet and sound very nice. My phono stage tubes are noisier than I like but very nice. The noise isn't an issue really in my system with my speakers but would be using other speakers of higher efficiency. I'm happy enough to just stay with what I have.

The Scots can go ahead and try me for Heresey. LOL. I suppose they wouldn't approve of my cabling either but the cables and preamp make this modest system compete with high dollar systems. It really is like the amps and speakers have been set free. Their loss if they are too stubborn to give it a try.

I'm very happy with the LP 12 having owned this one since 1984. It's a solid performer IMO. If I were to upgrade it would likely be a Teres. For what I'd get out of my table and pay for a new Teres whatever improvements I'd get just aren't worth it at this time. The differences are very minor. I've had a 265 in my system and compared the two. I love the simplicity of the Teres and having a concrete floor in my music room, either work very well in my environment. Linn has been very good about parts availability and an upgrade path which I've taken advantage of. Still, doing business here with most Linn retailers is not enjoyable. Linn USA sucks. The last two sentences are the reason I'd replace my gear with something else. Not because of performance. Is it the same in the UK?

lugnut August 01, 2005 10:01

Well, sometime in the future I'll get around to updating this system. To answer Nrchy's question, I have installed my second ZYX cartridge. It's a ZYX Airy 3 Silver SB. It's a low output design using 5 nines cryo'd silver wire with some of the internals being cryo'd prior to assembly. The SB feature is an integral silver mounting plate. Right out of the box it is much smoother, more refined with greater detail than the Yatra. It's a perfect match for my system as far as I can tell at this point. I haven't even begun to tweak it for best performance. Whenever I get around 50 hours on it I will set the VTF to what I know is proper for this cartridge and later change the VTA some but I know it's all very close now. At the 100 hour mark I'll reset the overhang and make some very fine adjustments from there. IMO, this is one of the best cartridges I've ever heard. Of course, the UNIverse is better but then it is a lot mroe money. The Yatra is an incredible bargain.

The Supratek Syrah is a great preamp. I do need to determine the best nine tube combinations and decide which I'll use. That "preamp deal of the century" thread just takes too long to read and requires one to extract this information piecemeal. I wish that one of the regular posters to that thread would condense it and post that information for those of us too lazy or busy to do it ourselves.

I've added some acoustic treatments, replaced the area rug, installed drapes, added some plants and reduced the amount of furniture. I will post the updated photos as soon as time allows. Thanks for all the positive feedback from everyone.

lugnut June 22, 2005 11:19

Stuart,

I purchased a ZYX R100H Yatra Mk II. Where do they get these names??? Anyway, I consider it to be an audio best buy. Detailed beyond anything I dreamed of and as smooth as silk after about 40 hours of break in. The total lack of surface noise is astounding too. Stage width, depth and height is perfect. It has a quality that no other line of cartridges has ever produced and I cannot for the life of me explain it. It's just a realness. I'm certain that the designer has incorporated design features, which he has patented, that eliminate time smear and it works.

I now own a Supratek Syrah. I'll be updating with new photos sometime in the near future. I'll also be writing a review of the cartridge once its fully broken in.

lugnut April 26, 2005 09:37

Artg,

Thanks for your thoughtful and very wise words. Digital can be very rewarding and Steve's Meitner front end is incredible. My belief is that he has the best of both worlds and can spend his time pursuing the best software regardless of source. It can't get any better than that!!!

lugnut April 25, 2005 15:02

Good question Artg. Steve is a great guy but then, so am I. I built his equipment rack and did it with the goal of perfection much like a work of art. Custom fabrication of that type is something that Steve is aware costs huge sums when done by others. My total charge was much less than buying some standard, reasonably well made piece. Not to brag but it works splendidly too. When we first met Steve was digitally based and I took my turntable, preamp and favorite records over and left them for better than a week hoping he would hear the magic. He did and I am personally responsible for creating the analog monster within him. Still, I fully understand that as busy as he is and as much work as it was, remodeling my room at a time when I was psychologically devastated due to being diagnosed as having terminal cancer was the lift I needed. The man has a big heart and is a tresured friend. I would have done the same for him if the situation were reversed.

Take note guys! I now own a Supratek Syrah and a ZYX cartridge. I'll be updating this system post when time allows. For a modest system the sound is incredible.

lugnut April 25, 2005 11:32

Aggielaw,

It just takes a few woodworking skills, not many. I cut two identical squares of 3/4" MDF to the desired size. I then made a "picture frame" out of the same material with the same outside dimensions. The picture frame is sandwiched between the two solid pieces, glued and screwed from beneath. (I kind of like that term "glued and screwed"). Radius the top and edges with a router and sand it. I drilled a hole about 1/2" diameter in the bottom of the wood and with a funnel filled the hollow core with #9 lead shot. I decided to use silicon to seal the hole only because it's way easy. It took about one 25# bag for each stand. The hardware for spikes was bought from an Audiogon vendor. That process only required drilling four holes in the corners. The paint job was a quick one of basecoat/clearcoat left over from an automotive paint job. Lucky for me I have a friend that did that part for free. You need access to a table saw, router, power miter box and willing accomplices. Total cost for both stands was less than $100. While you and I both call these amp stands, I planned on using them for a tube preamp and power supply from the get go. I just ordered a new preamp and cartridge. Whenever I get them installed and am happy I'll update this with new photos and maybe get lucky with some additional comments.

A very good audio buddy and personal friend "Vetterone" aka Steve Dobbins remodeled this room for me as a surprise between Christmas and New Years while my wife and I were visiting friends in the Midwest. I mean, I didn't have a clue he was going to do it. I walked in, looked for about ten seconds and sat down and balled like a baby. He had to work his ass off getting it done in four days. Do yourself a favor and check out his room/system here. It's amazing.

lugnut April 09, 2005 17:28

Dwight,

I'm not sure. I think I'll ask Twl to post a response to this question. I would just be guessing.

lugnut March 21, 2005 10:28

Dean,

The record storage racks were also built by Vetterone but are my design. The actual shelves are MDF pieces for stair risers and are incredibly strong. The shelves are 12" deep and the front edge is raised 1 1/2". Of course, the actual shelf bottom and backs are at 90° to one another. I find this type of storage to be very convenient. Steve likes the design well enough that he's building some for his own dedicated room.

Kid,

Keep practicing. After ahwile you will find that the way you embrace the guitar neck and the placement of your fingers will allow a minimum of pressure to be exerted on your fingertips. Callouses are a permanent fixture on the fingers of even a very casual player. I've been playing since I was a kid. There have been times when my guitar was great therapy and a good friend. Keeping it handy like on the stand mine is on allows you to pick it up and play for just a couple of minutes any old time the opportunity arises. Those few minutes add up and make you a better player.

Everyone,

I guess I should have taken a photo of my spare bedroom where the rest of my vinyl is. I have similar racks in there too. I'm not sure but I think I may have too much software.

lugnut March 21, 2005 08:18

Thanks for the compliments guys. Chris, the guitar is a Yamaha FG-60 from the 60's. It's a real guitar that didn't cost much.

lugnut March 19, 2005 15:05