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Lyra Delos vs Grado Statement Reference low output

I'm reading really good things about these new (sort of) Grado "Statement" series low-output carts: they are said to offer more detail than the reference series. How does the Statement Reference compare to the comparably-priced Lyra Delos? I suppose the Delos has more high-frequency extension and detail, and the Grado is richer. But is the Grado seriously outclassed by the Delos's detail, or is it close? Is the Delos seriously outclassed by the Grado's rich tone, or is it close? And are they close in terms of surface noise and tracking, or is the Delos (I assume) far better in these areas? Thank you. (I use a Heed Quasar phono stage, a Don Allen linestage and Don Allen 807 SET amp.)
adamay
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

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.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
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.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

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".
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
Sad to say that the soul the Grado SR1 adds is veiled, colored, and lacks clarity. Thats probably why alot of reviewers dont use them. They tend to mask the (good and bad) recordings. I dont use either the Lyra or the Grado now, just think when compared to each other the Grado SR1 sounds dated, slow, and veiled which robs the listener from hearing alot of the soul of the music you mentioned. To each his own.
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