ZYX · Ultimate

Ultimate AIRY

A precision moving coil cartridge featuring a C-1000 carbon cantilever.

The Ultimate AIRY sits within the ZYX Ultimate Exceed series, representing an evolution in analogue transducer technology. Central to its design is the world-first C-1000 carbon cantilever, constructed from 1000 individual carbon fibres, which provides a level of rigidity and structural speed that significantly outperforms traditional aluminium or boron alternatives. Built for the dedicated listener, the cartridge employs a sophisticated non-magnetic generator core that eliminates eddy current interference. This engineering choice, combined with ZYX's unique one-point ground terminal system, ensures that the left and right channels are generated within a homogenous magnetic field, resulting in unparalleled phase accuracy and focus. Sonically, the AIRY is characterised by an open, detailed, and highly stable presentation. It avoids the colouration often associated with magnetic bobbin designs, offering instead a pure and natural sound stage that allows for the retrieval of fine musical textures. It is a refined tool for those seeking to uncover the full potential of their vinyl collection.

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Key Features

C-1000 Carbon Cantilever

Constructed from 1000 individual composite carbon fibres for superior rigidity and lower mass than traditional materials.

Non-magnetic Generator

This circuit eliminates eddy currents within the magnetic gap, enabling high-speed power generation without time delay.

Micro-Ridge Stylus

Aligns the hardest axis of the diamond crystal with the record groove for stable tracing and an extended 2000-hour service life.

One-point ground terminal

Ensures that both left and right channel coils operate within an identical magnetic field for improved stereo homogeneity.

Cryogenic Treatment

The generator assembly is cryogenically treated at -196 degrees Celsius to stabilise the internal crystal structure for improved signal purity.

Chapter 01

Manufacturing Process

Every AIRY cartridge is hand-assembled in Japan using proprietary materials chosen for their specific electrical and mechanical properties. The generator coils are wound with 6N oxygen-free crystal copper wire, and the entire assembly undergoes a deep-freeze cryogenic process to refine the metal structure, ensuring long-term consistency and signal integrity.

Chapter 02

The Story

The development of the Ultimate series represents a fundamental rethink of the moving coil transducer. By moving away from magnetic bobbins—which can cause field disturbances—ZYX engineers focused on creating a perfectly uniform environment for the coils to move in. The AIRY is the realisation of this research, offering a pure signal path that is both remarkably quiet and exceptionally fast.

Chapter 03

Listening Notes

The AIRY is noted for its ability to disappear from the playback chain, leaving only the music. It provides a sharp, coherent image with precise localization, allowing the listener to perceive the depth and scale of a recording. It excels at reproducing the natural decay of instruments, particularly in acoustic and orchestral works, where its transient accuracy reveals fine nuances that are often obscured by lesser designs.

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