Would it not make most posts moot on these threads if we held ourselves to the same standards we hold audio reviewers? Just saying...
Phono cartridge performance is so subject to so many things, tonearm matching, set-up alignment, and even system synergy that it is really hard to call my experience, apples to apples, with someone else’s. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have disputed either a dealer or fellow audiophile’s alignment job. But of course, let’s assume we get all that just right.
I still really believe we should be very cautious not to make too rash or broad sweeping declarations, as they easily could flush out quite differently from kit to kit. This said, there are lots of usual suspects not listed that could be, but bargains are a much, much harder call.
I'm a Lyra fan. I've been through several. I like their high level of build quality, find them easy to align, enjoy their sonic balance, and of course the way they pull the music out of the grooves.
Phono cartridge performance is so subject to so many things, tonearm matching, set-up alignment, and even system synergy that it is really hard to call my experience, apples to apples, with someone else’s. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have disputed either a dealer or fellow audiophile’s alignment job. But of course, let’s assume we get all that just right.
I still really believe we should be very cautious not to make too rash or broad sweeping declarations, as they easily could flush out quite differently from kit to kit. This said, there are lots of usual suspects not listed that could be, but bargains are a much, much harder call.
I'm a Lyra fan. I've been through several. I like their high level of build quality, find them easy to align, enjoy their sonic balance, and of course the way they pull the music out of the grooves.