I have not used the EAR phono preamp. However, according to reports, it has a warm sonic balance. The Lydian/ARC PH2 sounded rich in my system with the Oracle MK V SE and either the ZETA or Graham 2.0 arms. The Graham 2.2 has a warmer tonal balance than the 2.0. I would not expect any problem with either arm. You can adjust the tonal balance by simply raising or lowering the VTA on your arm.
Incidentally, most of my LPs are non-audiophile recordings from the 50's, 60's and 70's, and apart from the surface noice in some cases, I was able to enjoy the music. In fact, when the Lydian was properly adjusted, the surface noise was uncorrelated with the music (i.e. the clicks and pops were localized on the speaker surface apart from the soundstage.)
In summary, the Lydian was an excellent performer and provided a glimpse of the performance of the top cartridges. However, the Beta surpasses the basic Lydian in the folling areas: It is more dynamic, more robust in the midrange with more extended and powerful bass.
Go for it.
Experiment with 100-1000 ohm "loading" for the Beta.With the Lydian, I was able to obtain a warmer balance (richer midrange) without losing high frequency extension with 100 ohm "loading" on my PH2. I am using the same "loading" with the Helikon.
Incidentally, most of my LPs are non-audiophile recordings from the 50's, 60's and 70's, and apart from the surface noice in some cases, I was able to enjoy the music. In fact, when the Lydian was properly adjusted, the surface noise was uncorrelated with the music (i.e. the clicks and pops were localized on the speaker surface apart from the soundstage.)
In summary, the Lydian was an excellent performer and provided a glimpse of the performance of the top cartridges. However, the Beta surpasses the basic Lydian in the folling areas: It is more dynamic, more robust in the midrange with more extended and powerful bass.
Go for it.
Experiment with 100-1000 ohm "loading" for the Beta.With the Lydian, I was able to obtain a warmer balance (richer midrange) without losing high frequency extension with 100 ohm "loading" on my PH2. I am using the same "loading" with the Helikon.