I'm telegraphing this in from the slums, but I recently replaced my worn-out Lyra Delos with a Hana ML, and I have to say I'm liking my Hana a heck of a lot. The Hana was a bit tizzy during the first week, but it has mellowed out and is now warm, happy and beautiful-sounding., Now broken in, tracking is now at least equal to the always fine-tracking Lyra. .Orchestral string tone is unmatched. Vocalists and instruments are as "there" as I've ever experienced on my system. Dynamics and slam are about equal. Alphason Arm.
Hana Umami Red or Lyra Kleos?
I’ve found out about two or three cartridges in my price range of $3000 -$4000 that should work well within the limitations of my Luxman 505uX Mk II’s built in phono stage. The other cartridge is the Soundsmith "The Voice" MI cartridge. Next I’ve had to figure out which are also compatible with my VPI Classic 2’s JMW 10.5i tonearm (with or without the VPI two pivot mod).
I’ve been informed off my short list, the Hana Umani Red and the Lyra Kleos both appear to have the right specs to be appropriate candidates for use with the VPI JMW 10.5i, However the Soundsmith "The Voice" would have weight and/or compliance issues.
Have any of you advice as to which of either the Hana Umami Red or Lyra Kleos MC cartridges you might prefer? I’m pretty sure these are both excellent choices, but may have some differences you might be able to point out, I’m a bit disappointed the Soundsmith "The Voice" might not match up well with the VPI JMW 10.5i tonearm, but so it goes. Thanks for any advice and sharing your experience with either of these cartridges.
Mike