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Lyra Etna SL vs. Transfiguration Proteus + Koetsu Urushi

I had an unfortunate incident and accidentally broke off the cantilever of my "My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent Bc" which had barely 50 hours on it (long story). It was a terrific all a a-rounder and my back up Benz LPS is already getting long in the tooth so I guess it's time for  a new cart or carts.

I have read many reviews on the Lyra Etna SL and searched most forums and  almost all of them had rave reviews. Though I have not heard this cart personally nor any Lyra cart for that matter. What is holding me back is the price. It is difficult to purchase a cart ( or any piece of audio for that matter ) without a home demo. In this case, it will be a blind buy. As an example, the Ortofon A90, it had rave reviews and a lot of people love it. I didn't hate it but it wasn't my cup of tea. Now,  If I love the Etna SL  than great ( at this price range "like" is not enough ), if not I'm dead to rights with a very expensive cart. 

On the other hand, I have heard the Proteus and was absolutely impressed and I also have heard most Koetsu's which is definitely pure magic in the midrange. Though the different colors in the Urushi line still bewilders me. I was initially intrigued by the Coralstone but I didn't feel it would be a good all a-arounder for that price.

So, would you get the better more expensive cart ( I am assuming based on price alone ) or the musical flexibility of two carts with polar opposite characteristics? The price of the Lyra SL is almost similar to the Proteus plus Urushi added together. Your thoughts appreciated.

P.S. I have an extra armwand for my Graham so no need to get an extra tonearm.
P.P.S My system is in the virtual systems ( sorry, don't know how to attach it/link it here)
attymbb

Showing 3 responses by attymbb

attymbb OP
25 posts
 
rauliruegas,

               The rebuild by my sonic lab would almost cost the almost same as a new one, save a few hundred bucks. I could just get it re-tipped by Soundsmith, but I have heard friends who have gone this route and say the carts don't sound the same as the original. 
                At almost half the price would you go for the Transfiguration over the Lyra? I have read many great reviews on both carts. 

stringreen

               I'm not dumping the Benz though I read somewhere in this forum of someone who did after purchasing the Proteus. I love the LPS. I just feel that it may need to be rebuilt soon. 
               I agree about the "better" but not sure which one is better than the other (Lyra vs Proteus). Different, the Koetsu is definitely different.


By the way, if I go the Proteus route I'm not simultaneously getting a Koetsu. I'm just doing the math. 
attymbb OP
25 posts
 
sunnyboy1956,

                This was exactly the answer I was looking for. Thank you. Despite my initial concern regarding the musical flexibility of the Koetsu Coralstone, I have decided to either get the Etna SL, now knowing how superior it is to the Proteus, or the Coralstone. Ofcourse at this price point I can only afford one. Now to do more research and if possible to hear both cartridges before purchasing. 
attymbb OP
25 posts
 
restock,

            Sorry for the late reply as I did not see the notification for this thread. I wish I could give an accurate assessment of the MSL Gold vs the Ultra Eminent, however, I did not have both carts at the same time. As you might have read, my Ultra Eminent has been at Soundsmith for the last 2 months so I my aural memory can't remember the different nuances between the 2 carts. All I can say is that the general sense of space between voices/instruments are the same which is what MSL is known for. As to the Proteus, I had all of 5 minutes of listening time before I noticed the bottom part of the cartridge falling off so I immediately unmounted it and returned it to the dealer.  Now, MSL Gold vs the Koetsu Blue Lace. Two totally different animals, MSL Gold, huge soundstage, excellent layering, sharp and distinct instruments,dynamic attacks and good bass control. The Koetsu Blue Lace on the other hand has a totally different presentation, typical Koetsu ( in my opinion ), huge vocal presence, excellent midrange, a bit rounded everywhere else but lovely never the less.There's some real magic in there when it comes to vocals. YMMV. Hopefully, that was of some help.

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