Lyra Titan i on Basis Vector 4 experience?

Dan,

Those are interesting comments. I have to ask a few questions now. Hope you don't mind...

How much did Tom charge for a custom armboard that's like the one you use with the Triplaner? Do you like to mounting of it?

How different is the setup procedure for both arms?

Did you arrive at different VTF, SRA/VTA, etc. settings for both arms? If so, What did you end up using for them?

Was the resonant frequency very different between the arms with the XV-1s?

Did you get to try any other cartridges on your Vector?

What characteristic did you notice between the two arms with your cartridge on your system with identical mounting?

Oh yea. I'm finally at the end of my questions with this last one: Have you had any direct experience with the Titan i? Even in a Triplaner?

Thanks for sharing,
Dre

I have heard the Titan-i with two different arms.The linear tracking/air bearing Air Tangent arm,and most recently the 12.6 inch VPI arm....

I originally felt the VPI arm was "not so hot",but apparently there are some set up issues which "definitely" allow this arm to perform very well!Apparently some very well schooled hobbyists "went to work" on my friend's arm,and "really" did some amazing things,because it is allowing his system to "bowl over" anyone lucky enough to be exposed to it these days.

As to the Titan-i's performance envelope....which I have become quite familiar with on program material consisting of much jazz,and even more-so a good dose of classical LP's...The usual suspects,with some eye opening surprises thrown in.

It "is" a fabulous cartridge!!.....I would not have the slightest hesitation to own this cartridge,if it were on my radar.If you can get a good price,and you lean to this cartridge...Go for it!!
I believe(opinion only)that one of the cartridge's greatest strengths is in the area of tonality and full bodied textures.Coupled with really good dynamic slam,and superb inner detailings,this is a stunning cartridge!!....Over the entire frequency range!

I own a superb Transfiguration Orpheus,and love it,but having SO much exposure to the Titan-i, and with your original question asking about it's performance, I've got to be honest,and state that this is one cartridge you can buy,and "forget about what's coming down the audio pipe-line".... for a LONG time!!

Hope this helps with the cartridge decision.

Dan_ed,

Would you please explain specifically what the TP does better that the Vector.

Thanks,

Scott

Well, I didn't want to turn Dre's thread into a debate about tonearms and I probably exaggerated a bit by saying that the cartridge would sound much better on the Triplanar. Look, these are both very good tonearms. That's why I own them.

I've owned a Vector for about 5 years now. First a Model 1 and now a Model 3. The Vector is an outstanding tracker and can tame even the most difficult cartridges with its rock-like stability. If you have a Basis table there is no better arm to have mounted on it than the Vector. At one point I had both a Graham 2.2 and the Vector with the right armboards so I could change the arms out. On the Basis 2500 table that I owned at the time the Vector was superior to the 2.2 in just about every way. Probably because the Vector is much more stable.

I've owned the Triplanar for about 2 years now. Also a very good tracking arm when setup properly. The triplanar is probably not as consistent as the Vector with a wide range of cartridges. However, there are those, like the XV-1s, that combine very well with this arm.

Ok, so why do I like the Triplanar more than the Vector with the XV-1s? Well, maybe it is because I find the Triplanar much easier to get setup correctly and repeatably. I have not been able to get the same nuance and micro-detail from the Vector that I can with the Triplanar. Maybe there just isn't the same synergy between the Vector and my Gavia. Maybe it is because of the silicon damping that must be used with the Vector. It is true that you cannot get the same Galibier Stelvio armboard that I use with the Triplanar because of the way the Vector mounts. This would also be the case with, say, a Graham tonearm. In talking with Thom, we decided that I could get very near the same results as his regular armboard by fashioning one from cocobolo. So I fashioned an armboard using opposing grain layers. Maybe someday I'll be able to get as good results with the Vector as I do with the Triplanar.

Well, there it is. My experience and opinion. Others will have a different opinion and experience and that's ok. YMMV, and all that.

Dre, good luck with the Titan i. I only know this cartridge by reputation but I'm sure you'll be very happy with one mounted on your Vector.