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Which would you choose- Lyra, Zyx or Benz for VPI

Hello. I am looking to buy a brand new cartridge in the $2000 range. The contenders are a Zyx Airey 3 with silver bottom and copper wires ($2300), a Lyra Skala ($2200 using my Helikon tradein), or a Benz LP ($2000 using my Ruby trade in). My system is a VPI Aries with JMW 10 arm, BAT P-10 phono, BAT 5SE Pre, BAT VK-60 amp, Quad 988's all tied together with Silver Audio Appasionata's.

I listen to mostly live acoustic performances of small rock bands (think Jay Farrar and Son Volt or Wilco) or jazz groups (most of the Groove Note line). I like to hear the transients of the kick of a drum and the strum of a Martin Guitar.

I was using a Helikon until my housekeeper damaged the stylus. I always thought it was too thin in the mids and bass but it had nice air around it. I then shifted across the board to the Ruby 2H. I've been using it for a year and satified but part of the reason for all the silver cabling is that I missed the detail and air of the Helikon.

I know there are many wisdom and experience beyond me soplease help me out. Which would work best based on your experience.

Thanks, Jeff
jspownell
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rauliruegas
13,050 posts
 
Dear Jspownell: For what was my experience the Skala is a good tracker on your tonearm.

It happen that I have the opportunity to heard the Airy 3 and the Skala in the same VPI tonearm and IMHO the Skala is a better overall performer than the ZYX, specially with your kind of music and whole audio system. No, the Celebration is no contender with that tonearm.

Jeff, I urge you to try the Empire 750 LTD for $95.00. I could understand that you could think that a " rudiculous price " cartridge like this is impossible that could have a great quality performance, well it has it!!!!, lets try it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
stltrains
845 posts
 
Had airy three xsb with my vpi 10.5i aries three combo until i went with universe, both track and sound fabulous.
jeff_jones
418 posts
 
Raul - You've tweaked my interest, I love to find low priced stuff that works well. Which of the two empires mentioned would you most highly reccomend?
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rauliruegas
13,050 posts
 
Dear Jeff: Both are very good choice ( hard call ) and due to its inexpensive price, IMHO, I think that the best is buy both and be the judge by your self.

Anyway, here are some opinions about:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1173550723&openflup&69&4#69

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
jspownell OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for everyone's help so far.

Raul, I purchased a EDR9 yesterday form the France seller so I'm willing to try any kind of low cost alternative. If it doesn't work on my VPI, I'll move it to my other table.

It seems that its about 50/50 Zyx Airy 3 vs. Skala. I would still like to hear from more JMW arm users about their specific experience with either or both.

Doug, I've read some of your previous posts on the Zxy and on one you commented that the Airy 3 may be lively on a unipivot arm. Do you have any concern about that.

Curious on people's opinions on this... I have seen comments that the VPI Aries turntable is "dark". Could this be why I'm not satisfied with the Ruby.

Thanks again. Jeff
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