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Lyra Helikon SL Opinions?

I have a Well Tempered Table and arm and am wondering if this is a good match? I was thinking about a new table but my budget will not permit at the moment as I am also forced to get a pre-pre amp as well. I'm thinking Tom Evans for the pre-pre and a Lyra Helikon SL for the cartridge. Thanks in advance.

LM
leica_man
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
I used a Lyra Helikon in a Hadcock GH228 Unipivot for 2 years and was very happy compared to my previous Clearaudio Insider Gold.
I then switched to the Lyra Titan i and was disappointed.
Whilst the detail was there, the bass was not as good but worse still....there was simply no 'soul' or emotion.
Within 4 weeks I had the ZYX Universe which simply blew away every cartridge I have ever heard.
For the first time ever with the ZYX.......analysing the properties of the cartridge is simply not relevant. The vinyl appears connected directly to the preamp.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Halcro, FWIW, I agree with you. I went from a Lyra Helikon to a ZYX UNIverse, and I'm very happy.
I haven't heard either the Titan i or the Skala though.
Between Thomas and your posts, it sounds like the Titan i isn't even worth trying out. I would like to hear a Skala, even though I'm sure it wouldn't surplant my UNIverse.

John
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Believe me,the Titan-i is a fabulous cartridge!My friend,Sid Marks(of TAS/Mercury Living Presence fame)has one,and he would dump it in a second,if it did not bring out what he KNOWS is on all those CLASSIC LP'S!!Sorry,but something is amiss if it sounds anything less than superb.
Best!
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Hi, LM ...

I've had my WTT since they first came out. Over the years I've used many different cartridges, the best of which, was the Lyra Clavis. The sound was truely amazing when everything was set up right. If the Clavis was amazing with the Clavis, it should be unbelivable with the Helikon. My choice would be the Skalia though. I personally think the Skalia is the best cartridge to come from Lyria to date.
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