Lyra Delos or Hana ML

This is not an easy question to answer, and the topic comes up quite frequently.

For every person who sets their rig up well, there are 20 who don’t. I frequently tell my customers that I know of only a handful (if that) of individuals whom I would trust an assessment of a cartridge based on their setup.

Fine errors in azimuth adjustment will turn a detailed but balanced cartridge (any Lyra) into an intolerable, shrill beast.  And no, a vacuum tube phono stage will not cure this.  If it's poorly designed (slew rate) it might actually exacerbate the problem.

Sorry, but that’s the reality and I suspect the primary reason for the existence lush cartridges.

Having said that, it may be asking too much of individuals to set their cartridges up with USB ’scopes and software like the Feickert or AnalogMagik, so there’s clearly a place in the world for Koetsus and such (and I’m happy to sell you one if I think it’s a good match for you, your setup cabpabilities, and your system).

Several years ago, I covered this topic over here: Are Lyras Bright Cartridges

... Thom @ Galibier

Dear @russellrcncom  : " (isn't that what analog is all about? ", certainly is in bad room/system poor quality performance levels.

Do it your self a favor and try to attend to a live MUSIC event and try to be seated at near position and you will  learn about.

The Delos puts you nearer to the recording and to the MUSIC.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

@thom_at_galibier_design Yes, so true. Syrup is fantastic on a Waffle, not so much on a steak. Hopefully OP is working w a trusted dealer w good setup skills.

Best to you

Jim

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@thom_at_galibier_design   Great article! I have been saying for years precisely what you pointed out about incorrect or sloppy set up with Lyra cartridges, mostly to deaf ears! Get it right and you are rewarded with excellent top end extension, and at least to my ears, superb tonal balance. Get it wrong and all what the naysayers state becomes correct. 

The new angle design of the latest Lyra's requires even more precision than ever before in set up, and also in the loading spec's that one uses, but I do think it also benefits the overall SQ greatly.