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
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.
@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. 
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. 

I have lots of experience with the Audiomods arm although I am currently not using one.  It is a great arm and should work great with the Delos.  I think you can tweak the setup parameters to get at what you may be missing but I also thinking you are hearing the Delos for what it is. 

Exploring news carts is fun. I have a Koetsu RSP and a Lyra Etna SL So I know these house sounds well and feel like they fall at two ends of a continuum. In the middle of them are carts like Ortofon A90 and SoundSmith carts like the MIMC Star, Paua and Sussurro.  Any of those, once they finally break in, might be the change your ears are looking for.  I have a Sussurro ES and an A90. The SoundSmith in particular seems to "get out of the way" to me so that I don't notice the characteristics of the cart and just listen to the music.  Some may interpret this as boring?  Unlike the Koetsu, the SoundSmith carts will work great with your Audiomods.  Your phono pre needs to be able to load them 470 Ohms or higher.