ZYX ULTIMATE EXCEED DIAMOND GS

The new Ultimate Exceed range of moving coil cartridges from ZYX represents a refined expression of audio engineering. Each cartridge functions as a transducer capable of transforming the mechanical energy generated by the stylus as it follows the grooves of a vinyl record into an electrical signal. Its operating principle is based on inducing a current proportional to the coil’s vibration speed, positioned perpendicularly to the magnetic field lines, whose balance and uniformity are essential for ensuring faithful and high-quality sound reproduction.

In traditional moving coil cartridges, the coil is wound around a support made from materials with high magnetic permeability, which amplifies reactivity and sensitivity to field variations. This allows for a reduced number of coil turns, lowering the vibrating system’s mass and expanding the reproducible frequency range. However, using a magnetic coil inevitably introduces disturbances in the field, especially since the two coils responsible for stereo reproduction of the left and right channels are positioned at a 45-degree angle from the vertical axis, with ground terminals located at different points. This generates two audio signals within two differently disturbed magnetic fields.

To overcome this issue, ZYX has developed an exclusive one-point ground terminal and dual output system that unifies the ground point for both channels within the same magnetic field. Thanks to this solution, the coils generate left and right signals in a homogeneous magnetic environment, eliminating distortions and delivering a natural, richly nuanced sound with an authentically emotional analog character. The listener experiences remarkable detail: sharp transients, precise instrument localization, and the physical sensation of a live drum resonating.

Within the Ultimate Exceed series, ZYX introduces a new coil wire made from a gold and silver alloy. Compared to the crystal copper wires used in previous versions, this alloy has higher resistance but offers a unique, smooth, and refined sonic character while maintaining an extended bandwidth that blends the tonal qualities of both metals.

A distinctive feature of the Ultimate DIAMOND version is the square-section diamond cantilever measuring 0.22 mm. This component ensures exceptional rigidity, extremely low mass, and superior damping capacity. The result is precise groove tracking even during the most complex passages, with ultra-fast response and virtually no resonance. Sound transmission is instantaneous, guaranteeing minimal response times within the magnetic circuit.

Balancing the structure, positioned at the front of the cartridge body, is an 8 mm diameter, approximately 1-gram Lapis Lazuli sphere, carefully selected through material testing and numerous listening sessions. Its function goes beyond balancing the vibrating system’s center of gravity: thanks to its internal composition of sodalite and mixed crystals, the sphere absorbs and cancels vibrational waves propagating through it, further enhancing sound quality.

The cartridge’s terminal board, made from carbon composite, serves a dual purpose: it firmly locks the output pins in place, shielding them from unwanted vibrations, and allows the ground plane to be connected directly to the phono amplifier through the right channel. This eliminates parasitic capacitance between the four terminals, resulting in incredibly pure sound.

The cartridge body, designed for true stereo reproduction, is made from non-metallic materials with two different hardness levels. This ensures compliance with complex electrical properties and protects the generator system from external interference and parasitic currents that could otherwise affect the generated signal or cause unwanted resonances.

At the technological core lies the ultra-high-speed reproduction engine, designed to cancel magnetic resistance within the magnetic gap. This feature enables power generation across the entire frequency band without delay while simultaneously eliminating any residual parasitic currents.

Finally, the stylus adopts a Micro-Ridge shape, developed in Japan, with a ridge thickness of 6 microns and a constant contact radius of 3 microns. The diamond shape, with edges parallel to the cantilever sides, ensures stable and precise tracking, maximizing usage life up to 2000 hours and producing refined and controlled sound in every detail.

The generator coils are made from pure 6N OFC crystal copper, processed through a special technique to achieve perfect sound balance across the entire audible range, ensuring a rich, balanced, and immersive listening experience.

Technical specifications:

• Type: Moving Coil (Dynamic)
• Generator system: “REAL STEREO”
• Cryogenic treatment: Temperature -196 ℃ (-320°F)
• Coil wire: Gold-Silver φ 0.035mm
• Output voltage: 0.24mV (HO: 0.48mV) (3.54cm/sec, 1kHz)
• Frequency response: ±1dB 10 Hz - 100 kHz; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Channel separation: ＞30dB (1kHz)
• Channel balance: ＜0.5dB (1kHz)
• Recommended tracking force: 2.0g (20°C-25°C)
• Tracking force range: 1.7g - 2.5g
• Trackability: ＞60μm at 2.0g
• EQ compliance: Horizontal: 15×10⁻⁶ cm/dyne; Vertical: 12×10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
• Internal impedance: 24.0 Ω
• Load impedance: ＞100 Ω
• Cantilever material: Natural diamond square 0.22mm
• Stylus: Micro-Ridge solid diamond 0.1mm
• Contact radius, life span: 3μm×60μm; 2000 hours at 2.0g
• Output terminals: φ1.25mm solid gold K18 (EIA)
• Terminal board: Composite carbon plate
• Dimensions: 16.8mm (W) × 25mm (L) × 16.5mm (H)
• Net weight: 7.9g (with pre-mounted TB2); 9.1g (with SB2)