Lyra Delos or Hana ML
Has anyone compared these 2 phono cartridges? I was set on buying the Hana but now I'm seeing reviews where the Delos is a better option (albeit a much more costly one). I can't afford the Umami.. My arm is a REGA RB2000 on a SOTA Star table (Pass Aleph ono for the phono stage) . The tonearm has mediium mass, I'm told. Would prefer something on the more rich, lush side (isn't that what analog is all about?).
This is likely not the answer you wanted to hear. After some upgrades to the digital end of my system, I ultimately sold all my analog gear, All at top dollar, including all my LPs. All sold within a day or 2 of my listing them. Thought I'd never say it but, I don't miss it one bit. And I have been a vinyl spinning audiophile for over 50 years. |
Now that a range of options have been suggested it might be a good time to ask whether you really want to select a cartridge based on other folks perceptions of the color each model will add to your system. I’ve learned over the years to give less credence to these comments because there are just too many variables (people hear different, downstream components, room effects, cartridge setup, the list goes on). My advice is to pay attention to cartridge compatibility with your arm and phonostage first and foremost and then aim for a cartridge that is reliable, not too finicky about setup, and is widely considered to be a good value for money AND is known to be a balance, even-handed performer. While not considered to be “lush” in presentation, among LOMC’s the AT OC-9 and ART9 series meet these criteria and are worth a look if they mate well with your arm. You may also want to explore the Charisma lineup which are very balanced and well made carts. Good luck! |
This is not an easy question to answer, and the topic comes up quite frequently. For every person who sets their rig up well, there are 20 who don’t. I frequently tell my customers that I know of only a handful (if that) of individuals whom I would trust an assessment of a cartridge based on their setup. Fine errors in azimuth adjustment will turn a detailed but balanced cartridge (any Lyra) into an intolerable, shrill beast. And no, a vacuum tube phono stage will not cure this. If it's poorly designed (slew rate) it might actually exacerbate the problem. Sorry, but that’s the reality and I suspect the primary reason for the existence lush cartridges. Having said that, it may be asking too much of individuals to set their cartridges up with USB ’scopes and software like the Feickert or AnalogMagik, so there’s clearly a place in the world for Koetsus and such (and I’m happy to sell you one if I think it’s a good match for you, your setup cabpabilities, and your system). Several years ago, I covered this topic over here: Are Lyras Bright Cartridges ... Thom @ Galibier
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Dear @russellrcncom : " (isn't that what analog is all about? ", certainly is in bad room/system poor quality performance levels.
Do it your self a favor and try to attend to a live MUSIC event and try to be seated at near position and you will learn about. The Delos puts you nearer to the recording and to the MUSIC.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. |
