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Lyra or ZYX ?

I am on a look out for an upgrade to my Denon 103pro. Primary requirement is Drive, pace and timing along with natural flow. I know both Lyra and ZYX cartridges are known for good pace and timing but which of them sounds more natural ? I listen to both Patricia Barber and Beatles alike so I want a cartridge which has that natural flow to music not just emphasizing shortcomings.

The reason I chose ZYX and Lyra and not a warm Benz or Grado is because I am also looking for a detailed cartridge. Within my budget I can look at with ZYX R100 Yatra or Lyra Delos.

Please share your experiences.
pani
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Pani...LOL!!! Phono cartridges are absolutely the LAST item that you will ever get a home demo from a dealer on. I suppose there is no harm in dreaming though. :-)

Doug, I'm sure Pierre1976 has never even heard "any ZYX cart", which is why his reco makes sense.....to him.
dover
2,250 posts
 
Pani - if it were me, I'd look at updating the tonearm first. I own a 3012 and it is really of collectors interest only. If you want more detail start with the tonearm. If you can afford a Graham Phantom or similar performance even at the cost of not doing the cartridge or phono stage now I think you will be much better off in the long term.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I haven't heard a 3012 S2 (or any SME except the IV and V) but IF Dover's assessment is correct then I'd second his advice. In the whole scheme of things, a quality TT and tonearm are much more significant than a cartridge.

I can put many $100-200 MMs on my $10K rig and they sing like little angels. If I put costly LOMC's on my vintage rig they typically shriek like little devils.

Good reality check.
pani OP
1,219 posts
 
Dover, what is it about 3012 that you dont like ? Or say what can I expect the Phantom to do more ?
pani OP
1,219 posts
 
Doug, you say that my 14g effective mass tonearm is just about okay but 18g should have been better for ZYX yatra. Can I choose the ZYX with their additional silver headshell weight to increase the effective mass ?
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