ZYX omega and ZYX 4D

[June 24, 2010. SORAsound has ZYX Omega in stock. The lowest one has cost me is $1,380. But you can have it for FREE. ZYX Omega Gold still retails up to $8,300 but you can have it for FREE at SORAsound. Or, you can have it from $1,495 to $2,695. See ZYX Rock Bottom Pricing.]

ZYX omega is the ZYX with one ball. ZYX 4D is the one with no balls. SORAsound does not represent either cartridge. the closest we have is ZYX ATMOS which was once thought to be the same as ZYX 4D (see the never ending saga). for further information on each cartridge, please check out the ZYX products page. in the meantime, please keep abreast of the following facts:

• ZYX omega 2009 retail price in north america is from $7,500 to $8,300 depending on the coil (copper, silver, gold). in japan, ZYX omega retails for about $4,450 given the weak dollar.
• ZYX 4D 2009 retail price in north america is from $4,580 to $5,300 depending on the coil. in japan, the same cartridge retails for about $3,850.
• so in north america, the 2009 retail price differential between ZYX Omega and ZYX 4D is up to $3,700. in japan, these two cartridges are about $650 apart.
• and the retail price difference between ZYX omega gold in north america and ZYX 4D copper in japan is about $8,300 – $3,850 = $4,450. this is all extra margin over the ZYX cartridge margins in japan.

[Feb. 13, 2010 addition. We have now found ZYX Omega G retailing in a European country for $2,695 excluding VAT. See the comparison of ZYX Omega cartridge prices in a few countries.]

now, which cartridge should you go for? as always, your ears should make the judgement and you vote with your wallet. my feeling is that if ZYX 4D copper is similar to ZYX ATMOS, then it is a very good cartridge. my guess would be the sound of 4D gold is mushy.

how about ZYX omega? i think it took guts to put that lapis lazuli ball in front of the cartridge. i congratulate hisayoshi nakatsuka san for his courage, innovativeness and thinking out of the box. it reminds me of a story in one of my favorite movies called “how to get ahead in advertising.” those of you appreciating a dry sense of humor would love this movie staring richard grant.

in summary, if the price differential between ZYX omega and 4D is reasonable (i.e. a few hundred dollars), then if you prefer the sound of ZYX omega and (as denis dimbleby bagley – the character in the movie – would have said), if you can live with the boil, then ZYX omega is the right choice for you. else, stick to ZYX 4D or better yet, ZYX ATMOS.

SORAsound remains your best source for ZYX products and other analog goodies.