2. analog
  3. 1333623073

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
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Hi Pani,
I have no experience with 47lab Arm. I always was on the way for serious solutions :-)
Well, one of my buddies owned such a 3012 Arm, he was total fanatic about it.
Until I loaned him a FR-64s. Then it was done for him, he sold his beloved 3012 immediately and got a good price (whatever this means), there is a big Fangroup for them.
My opinion? Don't waste your time with compromises...
pani OP
1,218 posts
 
Interesting reply :-). So you found the 47 labs tonearm too funny to try !

Anyway, Syntax, frankly I dont have the bandwidth to spend $5k on a tonearm. I suppose the kind of serious tonearms you are talking about are all $4k+, correct me if I am wrong. My maximum stretch budget will not exceed $2.5k, that too I am hoping I get a good price for my 3012. 47 labs is well within my budget and has got some nice user opinions. Then there are Jelcos but I am not sure if it is an upgrade over my existing arm. The point is, I do not know what to look for under $2.5k . FR64 is very well regarded I know, it could be an option. What else ?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Hi Pani,

Internet decisions can be very problematic. It is no guarantee for that kind of satisfaction one hopes for. Don't you have a chance to visit a dealer? I made a lot of dealer visits when I was interested in a product (The Internet offers enthusiastic/positive/recommended/both thumbs up comments for even the worst sounding products..).I offered them money to rent their room for a Demo and we always had a good relationship. It was a win/win situation for both.
pani OP
1,218 posts
 
Syntax, FR64 has an effective mass of 35g. Will it work with cartridge like ZYX and Lyra ?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Hello Pani,
yes, the FR-64s will work with them on a top level (and with a lot more, too).
When you find one, turn the VTF knob, when you hear some clics, the grease inside is in good condition (there is a spring inside). When you need some force to turn and can't hear any clics while turning, the grease inside is stiff. They are from sound quality not comparable.
More to discover