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Lyra Titan i - in focus?

Some people argue that with a good pickup like this one, if you are only patient enough with repeated setup, it will one day "click" into place so to speak. Everything will be in focus, like with a telescope. However I have never experienced this effect (with this or other Lyras). Instead the pickup either sounds very good, or fairly good (unless my setup is way off). Is it a myth? I notice that Michael Fremer reviewed equipment in Stereophile for several years with his VTA/SRA quite wrong (according to his microscope). How come, if there is just one tiny little focus spot? Have anyone found this spot, and can tell me, exactly how much do you lower or raise the arm? I enjoy the Titan a lot, but I am tired of audio nevrosa symptoms, and this may be one of them.
o_holter
o_holter OP
980 posts
 
Thank you for interesting information. I've found that I have to twist the pickup to the right (seen from front) in the SME shell to sound its best, and to appear best judging from optical adjustment with different protractors too. Is this in line with your experience? Regarding antiskate, I generally prefer it a bit more relaxed, a degree or two below the weight measure. This is related to arm damping also, I have tried a bit, but ended up not using it.
o_holter OP
980 posts
 
I recently did a comparison of the Titan i and the Ortofon Cadenza, in my arm and system. Very illuminating. The Cadenza sounded great, yet it is also understandable that the Titan is more costly. Potentially it offers more information.

Although the Cadenza sailed happily through the grooves, the Titan gave more depth and dimensionality, although this included problems also, like poorly recorded records. The two cartridges sounded surprisingly alike but the Titan was superior in overall musical information value.

I came away from the test feeling that I still have some way to go to get the Titan into focus. Disregard any earlier statements that this perhaps cannot be done.

Based on the advice in this thread, I am now trying out a few things. I ease up a bit on the turning of the cartridge to the right in the shell (I don't "bend" it to the right, but it is gently pushed, before I tighten the screws). Secondly I put the arm a bit forward compared to the SME protractor. Thirdly I improve azimuth by ensuring that the arm foot and base are parallel.

Does this sound better? My first impression is yes. Clearly there is more to be learned about adjustment than I thought.
luna
235 posts
 
It happened that I also have Titan i and SME V. but I also have TW 10.5 with my Raven 2. To me, the Titan is matched better with TW arm which they both sound detailed and neutral. I found SME V match better with carts that also have an emphases on emotions and a good touch on bass. I found Clear Audio match it well. The Titan will be glued to my 10.5 for a very long time. I am not expert but this is my opinion.
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