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Suggestions to upgrade from Lyra Delos

Greetings again folks:

I've done a bunch of tweaking and fiddling with my Thorens TD124 including a new arm (Jeff Spall), Audio Silente bushings and other minor things.  I love my Delos in general, but I feel like it's missing something.  It's very detailed, fast, tight bass, good channel separation and soundstage (in general, feels a bit compressed front to back) but I feel like I'm missing that 'thing.'  Of course it could just be perception on my part, but I don't have much to compare with so that is the intent of this thread.

The rig:

Thorens TD124 Mk1 w/Mk II mods
Jeff Spall (Audiomods UK) Tonearm,v6
Lyra Delos, with Microridge stylus (original, not rebuilt)
Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC (Loaded at 110 Ohms)
Stax SRM-007T Headphone Amp with Stax Lambda Nova Signature headphones

I'd like to stay under $5K as well and would prefer a similar cost to the Delos ($2K) if possible, but willing to invest more in a different experience if that experience is better.

I realize this is a highly subjective ask.  I would appreciate responses from those that have gone from or to a Delos and what you went to / from.  I'm certainly considering the Kleos or a used Etna (if I can find one in the price range) but again, would like to try another direction to experience a broader range of sound signatures.

Thank you, in advance, for any suggestions.

128x128dducat
dducat's avatar
dducat OP
40 posts
 
@larryi 

Yes, I've adjusted VTA.  I have also played with loading and gain previously as well as after this most recent change.  Right now I'm running it at the lowest possible load and 60db gain.

I have tried a variety of tube complements in this preamp, and so far the Telefunken combination is the most 'natural' sounding without being overly colored.  The Mullard repros it came with are a waste of time.  I like the Telefunkens slightly more than the vintage Mullards.  I'm working on (because as you've said, it's not exactly 'free') sets of NOS Siemens, Bugle Boys and Vintage Raytheons.  I've actually ECC803s in this stage and it was a very weird sound signature - felt like the midrange was being thrown in my lap.

As I said, I'm looking into other phono preamps a notch or three above this one.  Sutherland, Herron, Musical Fidelity NuVista, and a few others.

But, I do think I've got this finally dialed in for the moment so I'm going to continue playing with it to see how it goes.
larryi
4,101 posts
 
I do agree that ECC803S can have a forward, sort of aggressive, midrange (assuming you are talking about real, old stock, tubes); what is appropriate in one setting, or for a particular taste, is not appropriate in another.

I wish you the best in your search for a phono stage.  It can be a daunting task given how many candidates are out there.  I have not been in that market for a long time, so I have only run into different models incidentally.  I heard systems that sounded quite good with Audio Note (uk), Lector (Italy), Zanden (Japan), and Doshi phono stages.  I own a Viva (Italy) phono stage myself.  If you like to fiddle around with your sound, you would love the Zanden because it gives you a choice of equalization curves.  Sometimes, the "wrong" curve actually sounds better than the correct curve so it is nice to have that option.

Another option is to look for an outboard step up transformer to feed the MM input of your phono stage.  While I know there are all sorts of theoretical reasons for eschewing step up transformers, I've always preferred the sound of systems employing them (my Viva has a built-in step up transformer).  There are plenty to chose from, including custom-wound transformers made for your particular cartridge/application (look at myemia.com, a company noted for transformers and autoformers).
  
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,937 posts
 
Didn't read whole thread but this caught my eye:
I've got it very low loaded and a decent amount of gain, so I don't think it's really the phono preamp
Reduce the loading to open up the sound.
dducat's avatar
dducat OP
40 posts
 
@larryi - yes, I was talking about vintage/NOS tubes.  That's all I use.  I appreciate the suggestions, and I've been interested in the Vifa as well. I'll look into the Zanden, for sure. 

@noromance - yeah, I thought I was at the lowest load setting on the Hagerman and it turns out I wasn't. (It isn't obvious because the gain adjustment, which is built the same way doesn't operate the same way and neither are labeled or marked, so I had assumed that I was already at the lowest load based on knob positioning). That's what I meant earlier when I said I tweaked load as well. 

Again, it's definitely sounding better overall and on quality recordings it's sounding rich and full so, I think I have addressed short term issues. 
anthonya
126 posts
 
my bud had exactly same  feeling with Lyra delos.

he tried a few conical and MM

things he loved now.as well. goldring 1042. shure m44.  toe tapping magical. 

and doesn't cost 5k. and not a downgrade in his book. different way to enjoy

if want more hi end maybe can look at soundsmith. 

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