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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3 >> Confusion about ZMC and SUTs
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Message started by GroovySauce on 02/09/20 at 02:14:26

Title: Confusion about ZMC and SUTs
Post by GroovySauce on 02/09/20 at 02:14:26

I’m new to SUTs. I’m still undecided on what cartridge I want to end up using. (Cart specs at bottom) issue is they are a little different in the resistance specs.

The ZMC sales page lists 3 different versions. For the Soundsmith the ZMC1 looks like the ticket. The Benz is 38 ohm DCR. This is higher than the recommended cartridge ohms. Would the ZMC1 work well for both cartridges?

I’m guessing the 20:1 ratio would be the one I would want?

What would the loading range be for the 2 cartridges be?

Will the ZMC1 work well with both?

My understanding is that the cartridge DCR is part of the loading equation when using SUTs.

Benz Ruby 3
.34mv output
38 Ohm
recommended loading 500-47k ohm

SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC (Star)
.4mv output
10 Ohm
recommended loading 470+ ohm

I didn’t find a manual for the ZMCs

Thank you much!

Extra info that isn’t directly related to the question.

I’ve owned the Benz Ruby 3 for many years and am happy with it. I’m guessing it’s time for a retip / rebuild. Issue is it’s in storage in Denver CO. I’m currently in the Philippines. When I do go back to visit the USA I will be in the Philly area. So between the travel cost and the cost to retip I might be better off getting a new cartridge. That’s not even taking into account the time cost.

I’ve heard good things about the Zephyr. It seems like it would be a good cart to hold onto. I also like the SoundSmith rebuild price.

Title: Re: Confusion about ZMC and SUTs
Post by NormD on 02/11/20 at 03:33:51

Any reason why you aren’t considering high output cartridges (2.1mV)? I have the SoundSmith Voice and I go directly from my turntable to my ZP3. I wanted to avoid a phono pre-amp and another set of cables and connections. I am delighted.

Title: Re: Confusion about ZMC and SUTs
Post by GroovySauce on 02/11/20 at 05:03:16

Steve recommends 4mv+ into the ZP3.

With the ZTPRE I’m guessing you have so much gain the below 4mv input isnt an issue
Do you ever run out of volume with 2.1mv?

I agree it would be nice having less cables and boxes. 0.4mv with ZMC1 would be 8.0mv into the ZP3. That sounds like it would make everything happy.

I’m going to be running ZP3 -> ZRock2 -> Toriimkiv. So I won’t have as much gain as you.

Title: Re: Confusion about ZMC and SUTs
Post by NormD on 02/11/20 at 12:57:21

I had a ZSTAGE in the mix for a while but found I did not need it. I have plenty of volume and headroom.

Title: Re: Confusion about ZMC and SUTs
Post by GroovySauce on 02/19/20 at 02:29:35

I've been going back and forth if I should go the low output or high output MI from SoundSmith. When I get back to the states in March, I'll give Steve a call and report back about his recommendations.

Title: Re: Confusion about ZMC and SUTs
Post by GroovySauce on 04/21/20 at 12:58:11

follow up. I ended up going with the SoundSmith Zephyr so I never called Steve to ask.