Partnered with the ARC phono ref2 & Ref2SE, the Lyra Atlas was the most satisfying sound I have made in my system I currently have the dynavector XV1t, VDH xgp ref mk2, lyra titan i in my system. Used to have the airtight PC1, Koetsu coralstone, My Sonic Lab ultraeminent. Briefly tried the airtight PC1 supreme and an older goldfinger. I have listened to the A90 in many systems but have never felt the urge to commit.
Before the Atlas, I have 3-4 carts that I like equally as they have different strength and weaknesses. With the Atlas, I can confidently pick a number one. The resolution, dynamics and the new found tonal density and naturalness are something to behold. The entire Lyra line has great quality control with excellent channel matching, channel separation, properly aligned and perpendicular stylus.
My listening taste is similar to yours with mostly classical and jazz. The Atlas is a superb match to the ARC ref2/2SE and will not disappoint. The MSL, Airtight line have a slightly mellow top end and richer timber. This can compensate for a lean system. All very dynamic but slightly behind the lyra (atlas and titan) in their portrayal of transient: not only just the attack but also the sustain and decay. The note still start and stop with the AT/MSL but the lyra tells more on how the notes build and dissipate. Along with the tightly tracked transients, the phase info (when present in the recording) are preserved. This produce a breathe taking sonic landscape.
Before tweaking room acoustics, I prefered the airtight and MSL line for its warmth and bass dynamics. As the reverb time of the room decreased, the system/room became more capable in resolution. I reached a limit with MSL/airtight light. The lyras, VDH, xv1t were pulling more and more from the grooves.
Before the Atlas, I have 3-4 carts that I like equally as they have different strength and weaknesses. With the Atlas, I can confidently pick a number one. The resolution, dynamics and the new found tonal density and naturalness are something to behold. The entire Lyra line has great quality control with excellent channel matching, channel separation, properly aligned and perpendicular stylus.
My listening taste is similar to yours with mostly classical and jazz. The Atlas is a superb match to the ARC ref2/2SE and will not disappoint. The MSL, Airtight line have a slightly mellow top end and richer timber. This can compensate for a lean system. All very dynamic but slightly behind the lyra (atlas and titan) in their portrayal of transient: not only just the attack but also the sustain and decay. The note still start and stop with the AT/MSL but the lyra tells more on how the notes build and dissipate. Along with the tightly tracked transients, the phase info (when present in the recording) are preserved. This produce a breathe taking sonic landscape.
Before tweaking room acoustics, I prefered the airtight and MSL line for its warmth and bass dynamics. As the reverb time of the room decreased, the system/room became more capable in resolution. I reached a limit with MSL/airtight light. The lyras, VDH, xv1t were pulling more and more from the grooves.