Zephyr Star

I got the Zephyr Star from Music Direct. Once setup and aligned I was floored by the incredible soundstage, immediacy, timbre and attack. I played Autumn Leaves from "Somethin' Else" and it was like I heard a new album. The sax, trumpet and bass was so lifelike, the timbre just right. The speed and decay all natural, and very detailed. Then "Privateer" by Knopfler. His voice was in front of me. Again more info than I knew was in those grooves was jumping out at me. I have to go to sleep because of an early morning tomorrow. But tomorrow afternoon I will check out symphonies, chamber music, my 45 rpm Music Matters Jazz Collection, Patricia Barber, and more.

I used the MM input at 47K loading, but downloaded externally with 1000 ohm RCA plugs made for me by a good friend. Using 60db gain on my Steelhead.

I want you to know Peter Green was extremely helpful, as I had doubts about using "low" compliance cartridge on a JMW-9 with a eff. mass of only 9. I also has questions regarding loading options with my Steelhead. His suggestions cleared the way for the purchase. I consider it an audiophile bargain. Now I wonder....should I have gone for the Paua, Sussurro, Helios or dare I dream, the Hyperion? Hard to imagine they are much better than the Zephyr Star, but surely they must be. Next time I will go higher but I am literally stunned with the Soundsmith technology, but moreso, the sound.

Thanks for carrying the fixed coil to where it is now. Kudos. You are, of course free to use any part of this testimonial on your website, or anywhere else you want.

David Olifant

They Said What?

I listened to this cartridge for about two months, for full break-in, even though it had about 30 hours on it as stated in a note with the delivery package. Several hundred hours later, I realized I was enjoying it more and more, and only then decided to run it through the test process.