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Anyone using a Lyra Delos yet?

There was an initial thread about the Lyra Delos a few months back, but I haven't seen much follow up about users' impressions with this cartridge. Is anyone using a Delos and if so, how are you liking it?

I'm looking for a new cartridge for my VPI Classic and JLTi phono stage. I'm currently using an old Grado cartridge from my previous turntable, and it's on its last legs. So if anyone has any other suggestions I'd love to hear them. Price ceiling about $1,500. System used mostly to play rock, jazz and acoustic music.

Thank you.
mniven
cmalak
681 posts
 
The usual suspects recommended for the JMW 10.5SE arm by VPI are Dynas (20X, 17D3), Benz (Ace, Glider S and Wood), and Lyra (Dorian and Argo) in that $700-$1500 range. Presumably if the Delos weighs between 6-13 grams it should work ok with the 10.5SE arm according to Harry Weisfeld. I would be very interested in any feedback you get to this post as I am interested in the Delos as well. Thx
mniven OP
2 posts
 
The Delos weighs 7.3 grams, so it is within the right range.

Specs:

http://www.lyraconnoisseur.com/Products/Products_Analog/Delos/Delos4.html

That compares to 6.4 grams for both the Dorian and the Argo. The Dyna 20x, which seems to be recommended quite a bit for VPIs, is 9.1 grams.
2x4b
1 posts
 
Hello,

I'm currently using a Delos on my Graham Phantom arm on the TW-Acustic Raven AC. I also have the Titan i on a Breuer-Dynamic 8C arm.

The Delos is a very good cartridge, it can't compete with the Titan, but that seems fair at about 25% of the price.

I'm no reviewer, but in my opinion its best points are the soundstaging (with very accurate placement and size), speed, good timing and (macro)dynamics. Mine has about 30 hours on it, so it probably isn't fully burnt-in.

I mainly bought it to play 'bad' recordings which the Titan sometimes rips apart; the Delos does a lot better at those and performs admirably on the good recordings too, but on those the Titan is still a lot better.

All in all a very good cartridge, very enjoyable and fun! Overall I would chose it over the Helikon (less lean, better tonal colours)or the other sub $2000 cartridges I've listened to in the past.

I'm waiting for the Kleos, which should be released this month, just above the Delos in the line-up.

Would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

B.
cmalak
681 posts
 
2x4b...thx for the response. I am sure it falls short of the Titan on most every category (as it should like you said). It sounds like it does soundstaging, PRaT, and dynamics well. Also sounds like it is tonally neutral across the frequency spectrum. All of which are great attributes. For me though one of the biggest hooks into the music is how well timbres and musical textures are translated, i.e., how true to the real sound of instruments and voices the playback comes or I guess how natural? How would you rate the Delos on that front? Also, do you know what the compliance of the cartridge is? Thx
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