I recently received a new Lyra Delos cartridge after an 8 week wait from my dealer. I had previously been using a Benz Micro M2 woodbody. This cartridge was from Benz's previous line-up before the new S series cartridges. I had originally planed to trade my Benz in for a Gullwing or Ebony H, but due to Benz's production problems was unable to do so. It will be going off to Soundsmith for a re-tip.
I have the Delos installed in a Tecnoarm on a Orbe turntable. The phono stage is a modified Audio Research SP14 with Amperex 6922 gold pin tube. I have it loaded at 1200 ohms.
I have around 12 hours playing time on the cartridge so I expect some further break in and to continue dialing it in. The first 5 or so hours of playing time the cartridge sounded bright and unfocussed (to the point that I thought I had made a mistake) but over the last day or so the sound has come together to the point that I am getting the best sound I have EVER heard from my system.
The Lyra is much quieter in the groove than the Benz was. It tracks much better as well. Albums were I used to hear noise/mistacking with the Benz play perfect with the Lyra. This gives the Lyra a more relaxed, less electronic/mechanical sound. The music seems to flow better. I never really understood the importance of good tracking --now I do.
The Lyra definitely has more high frequency energy than the Benz had. But it does not sound bright or etched. It makes the Benz sound a little dull in comparison, lacking in life. This increased energy manifests itself in more detail, more resolution. The sounds of fingers on strings is more resolved. Multiple voices or instruments singing/playing at the same time are more clearly separated. Sound staging seems more precise and ambient clues more resolved.
The Lyra seems faster sounding. Music starts and stops instantly like its does in real life. Dynamics are increased both with small signals and loud ones. Sudden loud passages can make you jump. Yes, the Delos has the "Jump factor" that make music sound exciting and real. the Benz is smoother and mellower than the real thing.
Of course nothing is perfect. In the midrange the Benz has a liquidity and bloom (especially with Jazz music) that the Lyra does not quite match (yet). Whether this sound is accurate or not, the Benz does sound beautiful with Ben Webster. The sound of his sax is velvety smooth and creamy. Yet the Lyra better resolves the sound of Ben's blowing and phrasing, and the accompanying cymbal work and piano are faster sounding and more "toe-tapping". The Lyra sounds more realistic and accurate, the Benz more beautiful and relaxing.
Overall I am very impressed at this point. No doubt the cartridge will continue to break in and changes in VTA and VTF will continue to be made. The last point I want to make is about the quality control of the Lyra. This is obviously only one sample, but my Delos has a perfectly straight cantilever, and the azimuth appears to be spot on (a big issue for me since the Tecnoarm has no azimuth adjustment).
I have the Delos installed in a Tecnoarm on a Orbe turntable. The phono stage is a modified Audio Research SP14 with Amperex 6922 gold pin tube. I have it loaded at 1200 ohms.
I have around 12 hours playing time on the cartridge so I expect some further break in and to continue dialing it in. The first 5 or so hours of playing time the cartridge sounded bright and unfocussed (to the point that I thought I had made a mistake) but over the last day or so the sound has come together to the point that I am getting the best sound I have EVER heard from my system.
The Lyra is much quieter in the groove than the Benz was. It tracks much better as well. Albums were I used to hear noise/mistacking with the Benz play perfect with the Lyra. This gives the Lyra a more relaxed, less electronic/mechanical sound. The music seems to flow better. I never really understood the importance of good tracking --now I do.
The Lyra definitely has more high frequency energy than the Benz had. But it does not sound bright or etched. It makes the Benz sound a little dull in comparison, lacking in life. This increased energy manifests itself in more detail, more resolution. The sounds of fingers on strings is more resolved. Multiple voices or instruments singing/playing at the same time are more clearly separated. Sound staging seems more precise and ambient clues more resolved.
The Lyra seems faster sounding. Music starts and stops instantly like its does in real life. Dynamics are increased both with small signals and loud ones. Sudden loud passages can make you jump. Yes, the Delos has the "Jump factor" that make music sound exciting and real. the Benz is smoother and mellower than the real thing.
Of course nothing is perfect. In the midrange the Benz has a liquidity and bloom (especially with Jazz music) that the Lyra does not quite match (yet). Whether this sound is accurate or not, the Benz does sound beautiful with Ben Webster. The sound of his sax is velvety smooth and creamy. Yet the Lyra better resolves the sound of Ben's blowing and phrasing, and the accompanying cymbal work and piano are faster sounding and more "toe-tapping". The Lyra sounds more realistic and accurate, the Benz more beautiful and relaxing.
Overall I am very impressed at this point. No doubt the cartridge will continue to break in and changes in VTA and VTF will continue to be made. The last point I want to make is about the quality control of the Lyra. This is obviously only one sample, but my Delos has a perfectly straight cantilever, and the azimuth appears to be spot on (a big issue for me since the Tecnoarm has no azimuth adjustment).