Lyra helikon or ZYX R-100 Fuji

Hi Alan,

Having owned both carts..I found the Helikon exhibits very fast transients and good resolution, albeit a touch on the lean side of neutrality.

The Fuji ( mine was the FSH or the Silver coil version) was dead neutral and very open sounding. Its sound was hard to describe, as it was almost too neutral, but well balanced within the audio spectrum. It did everything pretty well and nothing wrong in my set up.

Both have decent, but not outstanding bass reproduction IMO. My Clearaudio MC is miles ahead here ( and in a few other areas as well)

Both are excellent carts at their prices both new or used when driven, set up, and loaded properly. I used a VPI Aries (orig) with JMW10 arm with the Lyra and a Aries 2 with 10 arm with the ZYX.

Kehut-great response, and thank you. Your preference?

I have heard the Argo i and liked it very much. I recognise the lean character too, but hear the speed and quality of the sound, rather than quantity alone. Have not heard ZYX, yet too some degree can anticipate the sound-maybe? Less lean perhaps,(more body?)with similar resolution?

Is the Fuji as fast and detailed as the Helikon? I really need some feedback to make some choices soon.

cheers
Alan

I think Kehut is spot on. I suppose in the end it would depend on your musical preferences.