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Lyra Etna SL vs. Transfiguration Proteus + Koetsu Urushi

I had an unfortunate incident and accidentally broke off the cantilever of my "My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent Bc" which had barely 50 hours on it (long story). It was a terrific all a a-rounder and my back up Benz LPS is already getting long in the tooth so I guess it's time for  a new cart or carts.

I have read many reviews on the Lyra Etna SL and searched most forums and  almost all of them had rave reviews. Though I have not heard this cart personally nor any Lyra cart for that matter. What is holding me back is the price. It is difficult to purchase a cart ( or any piece of audio for that matter ) without a home demo. In this case, it will be a blind buy. As an example, the Ortofon A90, it had rave reviews and a lot of people love it. I didn't hate it but it wasn't my cup of tea. Now,  If I love the Etna SL  than great ( at this price range "like" is not enough ), if not I'm dead to rights with a very expensive cart. 

On the other hand, I have heard the Proteus and was absolutely impressed and I also have heard most Koetsu's which is definitely pure magic in the midrange. Though the different colors in the Urushi line still bewilders me. I was initially intrigued by the Coralstone but I didn't feel it would be a good all a-arounder for that price.

So, would you get the better more expensive cart ( I am assuming based on price alone ) or the musical flexibility of two carts with polar opposite characteristics? The price of the Lyra SL is almost similar to the Proteus plus Urushi added together. Your thoughts appreciated.

P.S. I have an extra armwand for my Graham so no need to get an extra tonearm.
P.P.S My system is in the virtual systems ( sorry, don't know how to attach it/link it here)
attymbb
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Nice choice with the Lyra Etna SL - you will be hard pressed not to really like or love it - make sure you do give it at least 50 hours of play.

Depending on the cost, I would look at getting a rebuild of your MSL to have as alternative. You can then retire the Benz :-)

Atlas SL goes up a notch or two from the Etna SL imo as long as your phono stage can handle the lower output..

enjoy
tonyptony
617 posts
 
I had and really liked my Koetsu RSP, until I brought in both the Benz Gullwing and LPS. I preferred both of the Benz cartridges at a lower cost over the Koetsu.


Sorry to go OT, but Tom I'd like to hear how the Gullwing and LP-S were similar / different / how you felt about each.

restock
831 posts
 
My other cartridge, the MSL Ultra Eminent Bc is at Soundsmith as I accidentally bent the canitilever and the Transfiguration Proteus I recently purchased is back at the dealer's pending replacement due to a factory defect.   In the meantime, I have a Koetsu Blue Lace and MSL Signature Gold on home demo.

I just noticed from another thread that you mentioned demoing the MSL Signature Gold. I am curious on how it compares to the MSL Ultra Eminent BC - there are not many comparisons available. Also how do you feel the MSL compares to the Proteus and Koetsu?
attymbb OP
25 posts
 
restock,

            Sorry for the late reply as I did not see the notification for this thread. I wish I could give an accurate assessment of the MSL Gold vs the Ultra Eminent, however, I did not have both carts at the same time. As you might have read, my Ultra Eminent has been at Soundsmith for the last 2 months so I my aural memory can't remember the different nuances between the 2 carts. All I can say is that the general sense of space between voices/instruments are the same which is what MSL is known for. As to the Proteus, I had all of 5 minutes of listening time before I noticed the bottom part of the cartridge falling off so I immediately unmounted it and returned it to the dealer.  Now, MSL Gold vs the Koetsu Blue Lace. Two totally different animals, MSL Gold, huge soundstage, excellent layering, sharp and distinct instruments,dynamic attacks and good bass control. The Koetsu Blue Lace on the other hand has a totally different presentation, typical Koetsu ( in my opinion ), huge vocal presence, excellent midrange, a bit rounded everywhere else but lovely never the less.There's some real magic in there when it comes to vocals. YMMV. Hopefully, that was of some help.

restock
831 posts
 
attymbb - thanks for the response!

I have just had an opportunity to hear the MSL Gold at a local dealer. It is very impressive and certainly in the top cartridges I have heard. As you described it, it has excellent layering and separation between instruments with excellent dynamics and flow. Tonality is also spot on with nice rich textures. 

I also heard the Proteus some time ago, albeit in a very different system. I loved the scale and dynamics of the Proteus from that time.

I'll be curious on your opinion once you get the Ultra Eminent back from Soundsmith...


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