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Which would you choose- Lyra, Zyx or Benz for VPI

Hello. I am looking to buy a brand new cartridge in the $2000 range. The contenders are a Zyx Airey 3 with silver bottom and copper wires ($2300), a Lyra Skala ($2200 using my Helikon tradein), or a Benz LP ($2000 using my Ruby trade in). My system is a VPI Aries with JMW 10 arm, BAT P-10 phono, BAT 5SE Pre, BAT VK-60 amp, Quad 988's all tied together with Silver Audio Appasionata's.

I listen to mostly live acoustic performances of small rock bands (think Jay Farrar and Son Volt or Wilco) or jazz groups (most of the Groove Note line). I like to hear the transients of the kick of a drum and the strum of a Martin Guitar.

I was using a Helikon until my housekeeper damaged the stylus. I always thought it was too thin in the mids and bass but it had nice air around it. I then shifted across the board to the Ruby 2H. I've been using it for a year and satified but part of the reason for all the silver cabling is that I missed the detail and air of the Helikon.

I know there are many wisdom and experience beyond me soplease help me out. Which would work best based on your experience.

Thanks, Jeff
jspownell
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Jspownell,

I have not heard a JMW arm (with any cartridge). I'm sure somebody has used this combo. Maybe they'll chime in, or you could search for JMW +ZYX here or on VA.

I suppose a ZYX might be a *little* closer to Helikon than Ruby. But be aware that I don't favor warm-ish cartridges (or tubes, or wire, or speakers, or anything). Anything on that side of neutral gets a bum rap when I attempt to discuss it, since that type of coloration really annoys me. You should see my descriptions of Koetsu or Grado, but I can't publish them in polite company. ;-)

Doug

P.S. Lyra's are generally good trackers. Better than average among MC's certainly. What makes you say your Helikon wasn't?
bnrlaw
130 posts
 
I've been running the ZYX Airy 3X with silver base on a JMW9 signature arm/scout combo for well over a year. It's fantastic. Tremendously neutral and a fantastic tracker. I don't have any experience with the Lyras or Benz.
jspownell OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the continued responses. I hope more people will chime in.

Doug, I just could not get the Helikon dialed in. Maybe it was the funky JMW antiskate wire wound too tight, or loose.

So I'm still undecided between the Airy 3 and Skala.

Help...
njaferi
45 posts
 
I have experience with Benz and Lyra, I even have the Helikon and Skala both. I would suggest that you get the Skala, as far as the trackign is concerned The Skala is a complete redesign and is much more close to the Titan.

I did not have a good experience with the the Benz.

I would suggest get the Skala that I saw on audiogon just recently and try it out.

I love the Skala so far and will say that do not flush your hard earned money towards the BENZ. But this is just my openion and others will be different, and I do not intend to offend any one with my previous statement.

I hope this will help
jamnperry
123 posts
 
Count me as another JMW/Airy 3 advocate. I've got it on a JMW Sig 9" arm. Absolutely great combo and couldn't be happier.
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