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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
pani
1,219 posts
 
I recently got a Delos. Have done about 50 hours. I find the sound to be too bony (less meat)/threadbare. There is also an extra sizzle in the treble that distracts me. I am using it on a Technics SL-1200 TT with its stock arm. Here are the configurations I have tried:

VTF: 1.7, 1.75, 1.8 grams
Impedance loading: 47 kohms, 400 ohms, 200 ohms
VTA: almost neutral

My phonostage is a RCM Sensor Prelude.
I do not have the tools to measure the exact angle at which the stylus sits on the record (I know it is critical) but having tried various VTF, I did not hear any improvement in the areas that I am concerned. The threadbareness and sizzling treble is always there. Is it a matter of break-in ?

As reference I also use a ZYX RS30, Empire EDR9 and in the past Denon 103pro, none of these had these issues. Any suggestions on what could be going on ?
actusreus
733 posts
 
Pani,
I'd suggest you give the cart a bit longer to break in, even though mine sounded great right out of the box, but even better after it broke in. I'm not familiar with the other cartridges you listed, but the Delos sounds very well balanced to me, which perhaps could be perceived as "bony" perhaps? I had sibilance issues with male vocals with my previous Soundsmith Aida so I can say with confidence the Delos does not exhibit sibilance issues, at least to my ear.

Btw, I'm also considering the Sensor Prelude so I'm a bit concerned now after reading your post. How long have you had it and what do you think of it? I don't mean to hijack the thread, but since it's now impossible to contact members directly, this seems to be the only way to ask for input.
dover
2,243 posts
 
Pani - what happened to your Nouvelle Platine Verdier
pani
1,219 posts
 
Actusreus, I will let it burn in more.

Dover, I am upgrading the motor of my Platine so my standby Technics is playing these days.
pani
1,219 posts
 
Actusreus, I forgot to add, the RCM is a superb phonostage. Please do not drop it from your shortlist because of my Delos issue. I have heard the RCM in at least 6 different carts including the ZYX 4D and it is one heck of a phonostage. Very quiet, clean, open, dynamic with an almost natural tube like midrange.
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