Lyra Helikon

Thomas:

I have the "SL" version of the Helikon. I was unable to make a direct comparison with the standard version though. Originally I was going to get the standard version, but my dealer suggested that the SL was more suitable for the phono stage on my equipment (Naim Audio)

I am upgrading from a Lyra Lydian and there are signifcant differences in higher levels of resolution, wider dynamic range, less groove noise and faster bass. All this is in comparison to a Lydian though. My dealer has heard both Helikons and felt that there was a significant difference between the two, with the SL having the advantage. Specifically he mentioned wider dynamic range and better resolution.

Don't know that you're going to find a dealer who has both, but all the information I got led me to beleive the SL was a better choice.

So far I have been quite pleased with about 30 hours on it. It seems broken in, but of course I won't know unless there is a further change.

Arthur Bye

@ Arthur,

thank you very much for your info.
Without ever listening to a Helikon, I know, there must be a difference.
NO Designer develops 2 Designs when both are equal.
Congrats for your Dealer ( Using his ears, rare today, - for a customer, more rare, - and making a honest decision , amazing ).

With this info my interest for this "SL" Version is growing now.
Thank you

The Cartridge+Phono has to be taken more into consideration than the cartridge comparison. Lyra Helicon has low-enough output to have a great dynamic performance. Right now this is my "dream" cartridge and I'm waiting on my budget for that. I have an AR PH3 phono stage wich is a very good match with regular version which has ~.4mV output.

Yes there are differences but not as significant as it would be between Benz cartridges. Helicon is all-the-way Ruby killer!

if the lower output version sounds better than my regular version, wow, it is worth it. i certainly would get the lowest output available if i were to do it again.

Yes, but isn't there a disadvantage to running the lowoutput through a stepup transformer?