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Benz Ebony LP or Lyra Delos ?

For about the same money I am getting to buy a Lyra Delos and Benz Ebony LP (not LP-S) cartridge. I listen mostly to classic rock and Blues, so, tone, PRAT and dynamics are most important while soundstage accuracy and transparency can be compromised a little. Tonearm is a Basis Vector 4.

Lyra Delos is highly regarded in general while Benz LP was their top model before the LPS. Which of these would you suggest ?

BTW, I also have an offer on an Ortofon Cadenza Black for about the same money but not sure if it is suited for Rock and Blues.
pani
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I like the Benz, but have only heard earlier Lyra's. I had the Benz Ruby 3 mounted on my Vector 3, and it was nothing special. In no way am I saying the Benz is nothing special, but am speaking to a possible lack of synergy. The Lyra on the other hand, is supposed to be a good match with the Vector. May also help to know your phono pre.
david12
1,454 posts
 
I have used the LP for 2 years. I would say the best cartridge I have had in my system, or at least equal to the Koetsu Rosewood Signature. I have never heard the Lyra.

A zyx Airy 3 preceeded it, a higly regarded cartridge. Like the LP it is detailed and uncoloured, but lacks the pace and snap of the LP. Just the PRAT you are looking for and the LP has it, to my ears. I would highly recommend it, with one caveat. If you are in the US, they were, I am not sure about now, very overpriced. My LP cost £1500, or about $1950. I think they were over $3000, in the US.
cmalak
681 posts
 
If you are in the US, just be aware that Benz has had a difficult time supplying dealers with inventory (if you check most of the online dealers of analog equipment you will see that most Benz carts are out of stock and if you call, you will see that there is no clarity on when they will get their next shipments and same with bricks and mortar dealers). And God forbid, if you snap the cantilever off on your Benz cart and you want a rebuild, you will be quoted over a year wait time (how do I know? because I am in that situation with my lowly Benz Micro Glider SL).

I am not sure what the situation is in Europe or other parts of the world but clearly Benz is having operational issues and a hard time supplying the US.
pani OP
1,219 posts
 
David, which tonearm were you using with the Benz LP and the ZYX ? Generally ZYX is considered to be a fast cartridge and Benz is considered more relaxed, it is interesting that you found the Benz to be faster with more snap.

Anyone else who could shed some light on the Benz vs ZYX vs Lyra ?
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