It is really foolish to believe one or two cartridge designs are heads above their competition.I doubt any of us have had privy to any really meaningful comparisons,amongst the,now,seeming plethora of contenders,and there are plenty!!
I am aware of,and do believe,the Univ is a top design.I have not heard one,yet based upon past experience(how many times does some reviewer,or happy owner/s tout the "latest" best of all times,only to see it fall from grace,in record time) I am fairly certain that it IS only one of many fine designs.There are quite a few.Probably just as noteworthy.
Based on the above comments,which are certainly not written in stone,some common sense should prevail,in your buying decision.THE PRICE OF ADMISSION!FOR YOU!!
I am very familiar with,both,the original Titan,and the new version(the Titan-i).I own a Transfiguration Temper-v,and am quite happy,yet although I find very little to criticise,I won't make any claims other than it sounds really good,in my system,and in my friend's identical set-up.
As for the Titan--I have a dear friend who is a serious LP collector,bordering on the obsessed.In a good way.His LP collection could buy him a small island.He has had many of these discs for many years,and knows what the music on them should sound like.Trust me on this (BTW--his system is similarly STUNNING)!The first Titan design,he had,was superb.All of the usual accolades.
Fortunately,for him,and anyone dropping by his home,he got the Titan,revised(the"i"),by accident.A considerable improvement over the first one.I hope it is this newer one,that you consider.I'm not claiming it is the best design on the audio front,yet I simply cannot believe it is significantly bettered by any design,and there are many.The UNIV must surely be one,yet it must be the cost to you,and some common sense,that sways your buying decision.Remember,you are getting a really nice credit,for your current Lyra.
I will try to give you a sense of what I (we) hear at this person's home (which is literally one big audio room/record collection).Since he is blessed with such a stunning variety of real reference discs (ALL are first pressings,and we are talking thousands of to die for LP's)he is capable of culling and playing some of the most unusual and amazingly diverse music one can imagine.This allows one to sample some very unusual,and detailed repertoire,that in many cases contains an unbelieveable array of subtle micro detail.He stands there,like a conductor,pointing out some interesting perspective,in the music,or production,or pressing,and sounds emanating in his superb room.One becomes transfixed,and it becomes an instant addiction.A lesson any music lover wants to repeat every day.This must sound a bit "nuts",yet on so many occassions I,and others,have been amazed at the "STUFF" he pulls from that darn "HAT"!
It is here,in this world of the "new discoveries" in what we thought we knew was recorded on lp,and yet there were so many other worlds,"universes", of "rare" and undiscovered instrumental varieties and voicings that the Titan deciphers.All to a "fairthy-well"!Harmonic virtue,timbre and accuracy(really hard,btw),major dynamics,focus,depth and a real sense of the magic we hear when you just know it is RIGHT.Boy,is it RIGHT!!Yet I would not be surprised,in the least,if SO many other designs could do it too!!This IS really the best of times,for enjoying LP's!
I really must seem like I'm going a bit overboard here,and am,yet my enthusiasm for this wonderful design takes hold.Especially in lieu of the credit,you will get.Best of luck.Either way,you will make a great choice,yet if you do go for anything other than a Titan-i,please send me the credit.I have kids in med school,and that cuts down on audio purchases!
BTW--It was a bit of indigestion,and not being able to sleep,that kepy my diatribe going this long.But it WAS literally heart felt.I'm sure it gave some of you indigestion as well.Sorry!
