Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

VMPKJ said:
@kvetcha Can you tell me about how you like your Zephry? I'm kicking around a swap as it looks like the ART-9 I love is discontinued in favor of a new model, and they don't appear to be offering trade in pricing on replacement as they were before. I'm wondering about soundsmith as they are rebuildable.
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I like the Zephyr very much! I was able to get mine for a bit of a steal, so it’s not really apples to apples, but it’s got all the detail and musicality of something like the MasterTracker with even greater channel separation. The rebuild costs are a huge perk, but it is important to keep in mind that those rebuilds can take weeks/months, so it’s wise to have a backup cart on hand.
 
kvetcha said:
I like the Zephyr very much! I was able to get mine for a bit of a steal, so it’s not really apples to apples, but it’s got all the detail and musicality of something like the MasterTracker with even greater channel separation. The rebuild costs are a huge perk, but it is important to keep in mind that those rebuilds can take weeks/months, so it’s wise to have a backup cart on hand.
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Thanks.
Anyone have a frame of reference to compare it to the ART?

Also, is rebuild tied to original ownership? I.e. am I stuck with it if it’s not my cup of tea?
 
kvetcha said:
@VMPKJ there is this: 3 Cartridges Reviewed

with a note that that is comparing the previous generation Zephyr MIMC Star, not the current ES body.

I do think the Compliance on the Zephyr is better suited for the high-mass MoFi arm.
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Awesome! I had searched but never found that read.

description of the ART is spot on and I love it. I’m just thinking I really don’t want a change but replacement value over time works out to about 200$ a year more to keep the ART. and this assumes I like the updated version as much.
 
VMPKJ said:
Awesome! I had searched but never found that read.

description of the ART is spot on and I love it. I’m just thinking I really don’t want a change but replacement value over time works out to about 200$ a year more to keep the ART. and this assumes I like the updated version as much.
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I’d look seriously at the new ART9XA. It’s lower compliance- of course assuming your phono stage can deal with its .02 mV output.
 
VMPKJ said:
Awesome! I had searched but never found that read.

description of the ART is spot on and I love it. I’m just thinking I really don’t want a change but replacement value over time works out to about 200$ a year more to keep the ART. and this assumes I like the updated version as much.
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And assuming you can’t find the Zephyr for less than retail!

Seems like it’s hard to go wrong, though.
 
HiFi Guy said:
I’d look seriously at the new ART9XA. It’s lower compliance- of course assuming your phono stage can deal with its .02 mV output.
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I'm leaning away from shibata. I feel like there is some mojo with the line contact styli. If the zephyr doesn't pan out i might try the XI.
 
VMPKJ said:
I’m trying it at that price. (makes it close to 300$/year more. and means after two years you are likely even money).

Thanks!

This is assuming they actually have what I ordered this time. ;-)
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Given my past experience with them, if they don’t have it they’ll give you a very healthy discount on a new one. I paid $1350 for my MIMC Star ES because they did not have the older model MIMC Star I was originally trying to buy.
 
The Denmarkian Wonder said:
Anyone got some good recommendations on some power cables? I'm thinking about upgrading the power cables for the MoFi Ultradeck and MuFi M2si amp.
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HEYOOOO DID SOMEONE SAY CABLES??!

I'll stay out of this.

But I think many people like the Zu cables, and they can be had cheaply on eBay if you keep an eye on the official Zu storefront on there.
 
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