LYRA DELOS CARTRIDGE TOO BRIGHT, THIN AND SHRILL SOUNDING

IME, Lyra’s can sound bright and tipped up if their set up isn’t 100% correct. The new angle technology is both a bane and a plus, IMO. The problem with the new Lyra cartridges is that they are extremely sensitive to set up variables and the back end gear that they are used with, more so than any other cartridge I have ever used! The Azimuth, VTF, SRA and A-S adjustments seem to be ultra critical. Loading is also critical. I have been experimenting with loading on mine for the better part of five months, finally settling on 750 Ohms. Personally, I like what my Lyra now sounds like, BUT there are days that I do consider going back to a ’warmer and less resolving’ cartridge, one that is set it and forget it. ( Like a Koetsu, or the Benz that I used to own).

Jeff Lyra’s are very sensitive to set up and slight adjustments. (Alignment, VTA, VTF, Azimuth)
I originally set up my Kleos using the very crude VPI jig that came with my table at first, then I ordered a Mint LP protractor (Much more precise) and a USB microscope to be able to see the extremely fine arc to set the overhang and to align the shadows in the mirrored finish to make sure the microscope was sighting the cantilever alignment grid dead straight before adjusting the cantilever.

Once you are positive your cartridge alignment is as close to perfect as you can get it, and VTF is set correctly, next check that your tonearm is perfectly level with the platter surface(VTA) then recheck VTF.

If it stills sounds shrill and elevated as you stated, and you are sure you have your phonostage at the best sounding setting, the next thing I would suggest is dropping the rear of the tonearm via VTA adjustemnt in small increments.
This reduces the high end extension and adds bass and warmth.

I gotta say, IF those loading changes made NO difference something sounds wrong. Dumb question, did you check if you have the correct tonearm wires attached to the correct locations on the cartridge and aren’t reversing the polarity of one channel. That will kill the bass. My Lyra and my Ortofons have the color coded pins in different locations on the rear of the cartridge body.

This is assuming you have enough break in hours on the stylus.
They do smooth out in the first 50-100 hrs or so in my experience as Puiu mentioned. He is also right about the different sound signatures between the Hana.
The Lyra is lively, dynamic, detailed and airy with a big soundstage and rock solid detailed bass (atleast in my system with my components, tubes and cables.

If you want to sell that Delos and it’s in new condition for $500 don’t hesitate to PM me. I’ll put it on my second tonearm OR my other TT in a heart beat.

lesson learned. a 2000 dollar Cartridge isn't always better than a 1200 dollar one. HANA ML is a giant killer!!!

I guess I'll end with this Jeff,

Like I already said Lyra is very responsive to the slightest changes.

The fact that, according to you:

"I had it at 470, 1k, 47k, 220, 100, 47. doesn't make a difference. shrill bright sound. junk."

makes no sense, it sounds like something isn't right.

It also sounds like you had your mind made up before starting this thread.

Good luck with your Hana.
I hope it works well with your setup.

There are any number of $500 MM cartridges that easily outperform the Hana. The Delos is a far superior cartridge but there are also moving magnet and iron cartridges that will outperform it.
I'm afraid you are right rushfan71, what we have here is a Hana fan boy.