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.