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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3 >> Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
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Message started by Acetone on 07/06/19 at 17:44:43

Title: Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
Post by Acetone on 07/06/19 at 17:44:43

My cart 5 years ago was the Grado gold...I upgraded to 2M black 4 years ago and absolutely loved it. When it came time to re-tip the 2M I seriously considered have Soundsmith doing the work. After some extensive research on SS carts I decided to buy a demo Zep MKIII (not the new es model)
The good people at hi-fi heaven offered the new es version at 10% above the demo cost so I accepted the deal and made the buy!! I am blow away happy that I did.
2.4mV output works fine with the ZP3. To achieve same volume levels as the 2M gave I have 25th anniv amp at 11:30 to 12:30 o'clock as opposed to 9:30 - 10:30. Zstage and ZR2 levels have not changed and are fine tuning tools as before.
Cart now has approx 22 hours on it and it is f*&%ing awesome. It really began to sing after 16 hours and hit another level after 20 hours.
Sound stage, separation of instruments, reverb, decay, naturalness of instrument timber, tight bass and drums all easy to track in the mix, everything vastly improved.
I had some buyers anxiety wondering about the output and sound upgrade being more than OK with the ZP3 (many decware posts put my mind to rest). I like the fact that cart is made USA, Refurbish costs of cant/stylus is more than fair (actually cheaper than 2M replacement).
Wish you could all hear how good this thing is! Wow!

Title: Re: Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
Post by NormD on 07/06/19 at 18:14:03

I’m glad to hear you are happy with the Zephyr. I sprang for the Soundsmith The Voice cartridge and I’m running it through a ZP3, ZTPre and ZMA, all with the Anniversary mods. I am delighted with the sound, hearing much as you describe. The highs are clear without being fatiguing, the voices are in the room and the bass extension is incredible without being boomy or forced. I took my ZSTAGE out of the system and use the ZTPRE for level adjustments. The cartridge has plenty of output through the ZP3. Great combo.

Title: Re: Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
Post by Archie on 07/06/19 at 18:52:05

Quote:

When it came time to re-tip the 2M I seriously considered have Soundsmith doing the work.

Just curious, why would you retip and not just replace the stylus? I don't know what Ortofon asks for that though.

Title: Re: Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
Post by HockessinKid on 07/06/19 at 20:49:46

FYI, retipping means replacing the entire stylus. It's just vinyl terminology. Soundsmith's average turn around time for a stylus replacement can be long.

HK

Title: Re: Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
Post by Archie on 07/06/19 at 21:09:56

Oh. I was thinking of the retipping that happens with a MC cart. For the 2m Black I just figured a new front end from Ortofon would be the way to go.

Title: Re: Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
Post by jslateiv on 07/15/19 at 00:42:52

I went through a number of carts looking for the 'right' one. Lyra, DynaVector, Grado, Ortophone. When I finally got a hold of a SS Zephyr MIMC, the search was over! It was (for me) instantly apparent that the SS tucked the other carts into bed at night. The thought to move to something different hasn't even crossed my mind. And they not near as delicate as as MC carts either! To each his own but Great pick on a cart! I don't think anybody with any setup could go wrong with the SS line of carts!

Title: Re: Soundsmith -Zephyr MKIII es -2M black -Grado gold
Post by Ace-Tone on 07/15/19 at 16:22:56

Thanks jslateiv, Yes, cart is amazing. And the great thing is, it's performance can be elevated with an upgraded new cant/stylus from SS when it comes time for cant/stylus. Albums spun lately are captivating!
But, I'm sure you know that.