Lyra Cartridges - Your Thoughts Please

Hi all,

I'm interested in Lyra cartridges and any experience you might have had with them.

Do any of you currently (or have you in the past) used Lyra cartridges? How would you characterise their house sound, if there is one? What is the best entry point (i.e. the point where diminishing returns really hit hard) to their range?

Any views welcome.
Thanks
Lee

 

TW likes the Titan I, haven't heard that one myself yet! The accusation which is generally levelled is that they can be a little thin and bright, I think that depends on arm and cart matching though, sorry can't be more help, regards Keith.

 

They have a lift in the high frequencies, but matched right they sound very good.
My quibble is they're very vulnerable, two of mine were damaged in action, and I went back to something a little less vulnerable!

 

If you have listened to a high-end Linn cartridge (Arkiv, Arkiv-B, Akiva) then you'll have an idea. The guy that designs the Lyra cartridges (Jonathan Carr) also does the designing for the high-end Linn cartridges.

 

Thanks guys - very helpful

 

Superb clarity and dynamics combined with very sure-footed tracking.

Bottom models (Dorian/Argo) have a sting at the top so need careful matching. If the more expensive models fix this they must be near unbeatable IMO.

Always fancied a Helikon.

 

I reviewed the Dorian last year.

I normally hate lean-sounding components, but here are
the words ...

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/lyra_dorian_e.html

 

I've listened to one or two Lyras in my time and the Dorian really does not have any sting. Some character for sure - I thought there was some commonality between the Dorian on a REGA P25 and an NAS - which is unusual, but it is not a painful or peaky sounding cart. Au contraire, it's a cart that is very easy to live with makes everything sound rather good.
Personally, I'd take a Dorian over a Helikon.
For those who don't wish to spend a fortune on an MC cart, and who are looking for something good-sounding and enjoyable, the Dorian is well worth considering IMHO.

 

Anyone heard the Titan, I have been told it is extraordinarily good.

 

Perhaps sting wasn't the right word as it implies a nasty aggressive top which is certainly not the case.
Perhaps 'brightly lit' describes it better.
Just don't pair it with toppy speakers.

Is your preference for the Dorian over the Helikon a tonal balance thing or do you find the former superior in general?

 

Rob, you know well enough that MC + toppy speaker = high-end ;-)

 

Thanks - I definitely agree your sentiment that the sense of music being performed by musicians is more important than tonal balance per se.

 

The Dorian is tonally a better balanced cart to my ears. Many would not agree, however.