The new ‘Ultimate Exceed’ range of moving coil cartridges from ZYX
Put simply, a moving coil type cartridge can be described as a kind of transducer (a device that converts energy from one form to another).
It induces a current, proportional to the vibration speed in the coil. This is arranged in the direction perpendicular (set off at 90 degrees) to the magnetic field line, by the mechanical movements created by the stylus tip tracking the grooves of the record. This creates and transmits a sound signal. It can be called a converter.
To enable faithful, high quality reproduction, it is critically important that the magnetic flux density in the magnetic field (where the coil is located) is uniform.
In the case of moving coil cartridges, which are currently in widespread use, the bobbin is made from material which has a high magnetic permeability and good high frequency characteristics. This means that the bobbin is highly sensitive and reactive to the applied magnetic field. As a result, this type of bobbin gives a signal six times higher than that obtained from a non-magnetic bobbin. Therefore the number of coil turns can be reduced and the overall mass of the vibration system is lowered, allowing wideband reproduction.
We should note that, by using a magnetic bobbin, the magnetic field and magnetic flux density, which should be uniform, may be disturbed by the bobbin vibrations. This is because the two coils used for stereo reproduction are generating left and right channel signals in a disturbed magnetic field. As the left and right channel coils are arranged so that the windings are off-set by 45 degrees from the vertical axis, the ground terminal positions of these coils are located at different points, separated by the coil length. Resulting from this condition, the left and right audio signals are generated in two different disturbed magnetic fields.
In order to eliminate this phenomenon, it is necessary to set both left and right ground terminals within the same magnetic field. As a result, the left and right coils will generate electricity in the same magnetic field, even when that magnetic field is disturbed.
ZYX are the first cartridge manufacturer to develop and implement this unique, ‘one-point ground terminal, dual output system’ and are therefore able to completely solve this problem.
This new system has been implemented in all of the new Ultimate Exceed models.
Now, with these new models, we can instantly and clearly hear the benefits of the homogenous sound reproduction of left and right channels that have been generated in the same magnetic field. We have natural and sensual sound and a truly glorious analogue reproduction. And the achievement of a true emotional, analogue sound that we have been striving for. Striking, intense transients, sharp focus and localization, we can even ‘feel’ the skin of a large drum resonating as if it were a live performance. The Ultimate Exceed models get us even closer to the real, live musical event.
New Gold-Silver alloy coil wire (G-S)
In the conventional Ultimate series cartridges, there were three coil wire choices – crystal copper, gold and silver. In the new Ultimate Exceed series of cartridges, there are two coil types – crystal copper and gold / silver alloy.
Although the resistance value of the G-S alloy type wire increases due to alloy processing, you can enjoy the unique, delicate, mellow and wide-band sound that combines the merits of gold and silver.
World First C-1000 Carbon Cantilever in Moving Coil Cartridge
The ZYX Ultimate series (100, Airy, 4D, OMEGA and DYNAMIC) use a carbon cantilever for the very first time in a moving coil cartridge. The carbon rod is made from 1000 pieces of composite carbon fiber, hence the name C-1000 carbon cantilever.
This composite carbon fiber is more rigid than aluminum, iron and titanium. In addition, its specific gravity is just half that of boron. Therefore we can be sure that the C-1000 carbon cantilever is the ultimate and ideal cantilever material for analogue record playback.
The carbon cantilever gives us the widest frequency range and a superior tracking performance. A further major benefit is that the mechanical sound signal picked up at the stylus can travel through to the coil in a straight and direct fashion by way of the 1000 pieces of mechanical carbon lines. This ensures that reflected, repeated or modulated mechanical sound signals are completely absent.
The overall result is that you will enjoy the finest, most natural, most dynamic and true to source sound that you have ever experienced.
Double Structure Body
By combining non-metallic materials in the construction of the body, the resonance occurring on the body’s surface is excluded from influencing the generator system. An additional advantage is that this method of construction is both light and rigid.
High speed reproduction engine (magnetic circuit)
This circuit is specially processed to null magnetic resistance within magnetic gap, and enables high speed power generation against signals over entire bandwidth straightly without time delay.
Micro-Ridge Stylus
The stylus used Ultimate series has the edges of the diamond shank set parallel to the sides of the cantilever. Using this type of stylus, the hardest axis of the crystal is aligned to act as the contact point with the record groove. This gives stable and smooth tracing and produces a very refined sound, with the additional benefit of giving the stylus an extended life time 2000 hours. The stylus is of the Micro-ridge type, which was originally developed in Japan and offers the highest performance. The contact radius is always 3μm by the ridge made with 6μm thickness.
Pure 6N OFC Crystal Copper Wire Generator Coils
This perfect crystal copper wire produced by special process, in order to achive an even sound balance across the entire audible range.
