Lyra Delos vs Grado Statement Reference low output

I'm occasionally running a Grado Statement Master 1 after moving from a 5.0 mv Grado Sonata. The detail retrieval and high end end extension are better in the lower output version, but at a price. As the first poster Lloydc noted, it's hard to find a phono stage that works well with the low output Grados IMO. Even though it is rated at a .5 mv output, it seems to have less output and dynamics than my Ortofon Kontrapunkt H rated for the same output. I had to go through three phono stages before hitting on the RCM Sensor Prelude, which works well. The character of the rest of your system has a big influence on how well a Grado plays rock. My Tidal Piano Ceras and the Acoustic Signature Final Tool turntable greatly counterbalance the warm and slightly syrupy nature of the Grado. Bass on rock recordings slams with the Grado, nothing shabby about it at all to my ears. Obviously tastes and equipment partnering are a factor. Larryi's observations are on the mark. Hum was never a factor with high or low output Grados on either a VPI Scout or the Acoustic Signature tables.

Grado's hum on Rega. I can't even imagine a lean Grado.

When you stop and think about the question, it's not a very good question. Anyone considering a "Grado", should not even have "Lyra" on the list, and vice versa, unless they are just experimenting with different cartridges. These two cartridges are so far apart as not to even be in the same universe.

After reading reviews of the two cartridges, I believe they confirmed my opinion. The Delos reviewer's spoke glowingly about the specs, detail and everything that makes a cartridge special, but they never mentioned what kind of music they were using to review the cartridge, while the Grado reviewer mentioned a jazz vocalist.

The Grado reviewer stated that the best moving coils still have more apparent "life" and dynamic energy than the Grado, but this sound is colored and exotic.

That's the difference between not only the cartridges, but aspects of music the listeners find most appealing. "Way out" music would be more exciting with a Lyra than a Grado, but when it comes to the soul of a jazz vocalist like Carmen McRae, nothing can beat a Grado. The difference between which cartridge enhances the music you listen to the most is the factor that should be the most important.

Ive owned both in the same system and listen to mostly jazz, male and female vocals, some folk/country, and some classical and classic rock. I cant remember a single album of any type music that the Grado was as realistic as the lyra. It added some warmth and was more forgiving but every recording it seemed to be missing some of the music and the ambience when compared to the Lyra.

All the Grado reviewers, and Grado devotees say the same thing about "Grado". They say "Grado got soul". Not all music "got soul". Consequently not all audiophiles need or want a "Grado". Many audiophiles are unable to hear that element in the music Grado devotees call "soul", even if the music they're listening to has it.

Audiophiles who fall into this category, should by all means choose "Lyra".