Zyx R50 - Bloom MC Cartridge

[Reffc]

2 Available:

Demo at RFC by appointment:

http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/products/phono-cartridges/

http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/r50.jpg

[Reffc]

Only ONE now available. Get it before it's gone! Order today and it can be with you for the weekend :)

[Reffc]

I've copied this from my "Sticky" thread as it probably is best put here but it basically says that the new Zyx R-50 Bloom H has exceeded my expectations and to my ears is better not just than the standard version from a few years back but betters just about anything I've heard at the price. Details:


The Zyx Demo cartridge has arrived:


http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/RFC%20Cables/_MG_7541_zps3ddd824e.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/RFC%20Cables/_MG_7542_zpsa9b244d7.jpg

It comes in a rather natty little draw-string bag containing the packaging and comb-jointed Cedarwood box:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/RFC%20Cables/_MG_7543_zps41442ff4.jpg

Whilst I'm no stranger to Zyx cartridges and certainly no stranger to the R50-Bloom, this is the first time I've had the R-50 H in the system. The H just denotes that whilst this is STILL a low output MC, it's output is slightly higher than the very low output model which means that it will be more compatible with a wider range of systems. Output is a healthy 0.48mV so a 1:10 SUT or 26dB of gain is fine into a standard MM phonostage (which adds another 40dB or so of gain to generate line-level signal voltage).

Recommended loading on this is greater than 100 Ohms and it has a superb frequency response varying by just an incredibly small 1dB between 20Hz and 20KHz but it will extend to 40KHz beyond audible threshold.

This is going to come as rather a surprise to some, as it was to me:

The Z-50 Bloom isn't just remarkable for it's flat frequency response and specification for the money but in real world terms it sounds incredible! It has more low down authority than my outgoing Shelter 5000 which retailed at three times the cost, has a flatter response and offers up a bigger bolder soundstage full of authority.

For once, and thankfully, this is one MC that isn't too brightly lit up top so it makes for a very non-fatiguing listen. The detail is there, it's just that its nicely in balance. Sound stage is big and expansive, more so than the Shelter 501 or 5000 and more so than the Dynavector DV20xl, its nearest competitor. In fact, the Zyx trumps the DV20 in terms of neutrality and authority. It offers up a bigger bolder sound but remains smoother at the top registers making this one for all rock and Classical fans alike. :guitar::violin:

To sum up, the Z-50 Bloom offers up performance way beyond it's price point. It remains for me, the stand-out performer amongst some mediocrity at the price point and is a worthy first step to serious high-end performance at mid-level price. At £515 it seems insanely cheap compared with the competition and in that respect should be viewed as something of a bargain. I just hope that Zyx hold their prices into the New Year.

[potatoha]

Is there any sonic difference between the standard R-50 and the higher output R-50H?

[Reffc]

Hi John

I think that the H version seems to give more authority in the bass but perhaps unfair comparison as last I heard the standard one it was on different kit. This is the first time that either the 50 or the 50 H has been played via my current amplification and speakers. My comparisons on this kit though do reveal that the r-50H has it over the Shelter 5000 or the DV20xl. More neutral, better imaging and better authority than the other two and a far more pleasing mid range. Simply a very natural sounding product. I have several recordings that not only am I familiar with but was present when they were played live, so I have a better than average chance of spotting when a cartridge is doing something right, and the Zyx is doing it right.