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Lyra Kleos or Kleos SL?

I'm considering said cartridge upgrade but would like to hear opinions on the two versions offered.

My TT is an SME 20/2 with a SME IV mk iv tonearm.
Phono preamp is a Parasound JC-3+.

Wondering if the SL version (which is lower output than the regular version) would play well with the JC-3+, or if I might need to add a SUT to the chain.  

Also, my musical tastes lean toward classic rock, blues, folk, alt-country, with some jazz thrown in for good measure.  Not sure if this is a major factor in the decision or not, but thought I'd let you know.

Please let me know your thoughts if you've had experience with these two carts.

Thanks,

Peter
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Showing 1 response by robob

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robob
197 posts
 
Hello,

I recently started a thread on this,  you may want to search.

Anyway,  I went from a Kleos to a Kleos SL with the JC3+.  It will work fine as long as you don't sit really close to efficient speakers.  There is some increase in noise level but it shouldn't be noticeable under normal circumstances. 

I saw a mention in Absolute Sound about the Etna SL being less dynamic than the standard version.  In my setup,  the Kleos SL is more dynamic than the standard Kleos.  The SL is more detailed and piano might have a touch less weight,  but the loss of weight is not a big difference and the extra overtones/texture is worth the trade off for me.

In my opinion the Kleos is the sweet spot in the Lyra lineup, but I'm biased.

Happy Listening,
Robert 
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