Cartridges: Kuzma CAR or Lyra on a 4-Point (11") arm

@rossb 

I found the Lyra nice but a bit too lean slightly soft. Other Lyras such as the Delos or Kleos are more dynamic but even leaner.

I understand this because I felt so, too.

The CAR 40 was good but a little dull.

That's why I wonder if moving up to the CAR 50 could produce a more "lively" presentation. The CAR 40 is a bit "matter of fact" to me.

The Dynavector is full sounding, very dynamic, tonally rich - for my tastes I cannot fault it.

Yup, definitely the 3 qualities high up on my list. Will check out the Dynavector too.
The other cartridges that you mentioned, only the PP-2000 interested me. I want something that is modern and reliable for the long haul.

 

All three cartridges are resolving, and (from memory) I doubt any of them were obscuring detail. But then I am less interested in tiny details than in dynamics and tonality. The Phasemation errs on the warmer and more forgiving side but gives up some dynamics; the Colibri is dryer, faster and leaner; while the DV walks the fine balance between detail, dynamics and tone. If you're looking purely for a forensic examination of what's on your records, I would probably put the Colibri first, then the DV second and the Phasemation after that. But if you're looking for a more balanced presentation the DV has the perfect balance (for me) of tone, detail and dynamics.

@hamburger 
I can confirm I will be installing the CAR50 on the latest Kuzma 4Point early next week - will be able to let you know how that compares to the CAR40 & VDH Colibri. 

Thanks to everyone for helping me to clarify my own thoughts. At this stage, I will most probably continue heading down the Kuzma path than toward the Lyra path. However, saying that, I would like to check out the Dynavector too...

I have heard Benz Micro LPS and VDH before, but I also heard reliability issues about both. Well, it's hearsay, but I'd rather put my money on "reliability" and enjoy the music. That was what I meant by "wanting something modern and reliable for the long haul".

@dover  I will be looking forward to hearing your comments.

Thank you.

Hi @hamburger : Most likely the Delos suspension is still intact, but has stretched a bit and needs a readjustment to bring the ride height back to what it should be.

If you would like us to take a look at your Delos and readjust it if necessary, please return it to us (Lyra) via the dealer that you purchased it from. As long as there is no physical damage requiring component replacements or other serious issues, chances are that we will be able to perform the work gratis.

FWIW, a major cause of stretched suspensions is a tonearm lift that lowers the cartridge onto the LP too quickly - the repeated impacts over time will take a toll on the suspension wire and dampers, which will gradually degrade the cartridge performance. If there is a way to slow down the descent rate of the tonearm lift, all of your cartridges will likely thank you for it.

kind regards, jcarr