Lyra Delos A truth teller or what?

I use two MC carts with my Technics 1200G, the Delos which I’ve had for about 3 years, and an AT ART 9. I have MM carts as well, but I haven’t tried them yet with the Technics. No reason for not, but I haven’t yet.

The Delos is more revealing, cleaner and tighter sounding, but compared to the ART 9, it is brighter. I’ve sort of stopped using the Delos as the ART9 does such a nicer job with midrange, channel separation, and macro level weight. It is not warm, but more musical. Add that it is half the price of the Delos makes it a keeper for sure. If you want to evaluate a system change, the Delos may be the better "reporter".

I would say you are hearing the Delos correctly.

I never felt it was the giant killer people here thought it was. It's nice, but I did not find it a musical as the Delos.

I think this is where system dependencies and preferences alter opinion.  I find the richer midrange and overall bigger soundstage of the ART 9 makes classical listening more musical than the Delos.  I like the Delos more for small group jazz and featured vocalists.  In that regard it earns its higher price tag. 

I do think the ART 9 @ $ 999 is worth forum praise and I really like it due to its balance sound, but I also disagree that it blows away carts twice its price.  People get carried away sometimes.