I have a multi cartridge rig. Stereo is Koetsu RSP and Mono is Lyra Helikon. I have a modded EAR 834 and have been very happy with it. Great performance without breaking the bank. |
I second the EAR 834p. The Lyra's have a reputation for being analytical (in the best sense of the word), so a good tube preamp makes a good pairing.
I would say, however, that you are probably doing it backwards. Find a phono stage that you really like, and match the cartridge to it. My reasoning is that the phono stage will last far longer than a cartridge.
Just a thought.
Cheers |
Ear are very popular phono stage. Had one before.
Any other inputs. |
I have the Lyra Titan 1 and am using the Nagra VPS with wonderful results. |
You should not need a SUT with those cartridges unless your line stage has very little gain. |
Hi I am using a Lyra Skala and a Nagra VPS/VFS. Wonderful I'll absolutely 2nd from the poster above.
For less money, I suspect the Nagra BPS is a killer option to consider. |
Jfrech:
You are right about the Nagra BPS! I believe it provides at least 80 percent of the "VPS sound" at less than half the cost. High WAF, too. (So of course I bought the VPS! ;-> )
Always nice to see a post from another happy Nagra VPS camper! |
If you think you might want to use mono cart in future by getting another tube (say if you have number of jazz or classical LP's from 50's/60's) hard to beat the value of PS GCPH.You can get cheap up front and then get PCX mods from Underwood Wally.EAR is great value and you can get Mitch Singerman mods.If you don't want tubes with pricey AR or Aesthetix than EAR is it (I have their integrated and it's well built and fine sounding-I pine for their 324 but it's a bit expensive).Other ones I always read about are Whest 2.0 (older not newer) and mini ASR for SS.Calling Bes Nivera at Music Direct would be a good way to go since they carry everything mentioned and has heard every combo.
Chazz |
P.S would also mention Dodd or Sutherland in not crazy price range.
Chazz |
Sutherland is supposed to be synergistic with them. |
I owned or tried the following with my Lyra Argo (i):
- Vacuumstate JLTI
- Pass XOno
- Wright WPP200C
- ARC PH3 SE
- Shindo Monbrison, Cinemag step-up
The best combination was the JLTI followed by the XOno and the Monbrison/Cinemag. I really did not like the combination with a tube phono as it doesn't bring out the strengths of the Lyra Argo. The JLTI was excellent - detailed, balanced, evenhanded, and dynamic with excellent flow. The XOno was almost too much in the dynamics department, the Wright lost all the detail and nuance of the Argo.
Of the above, I would stay away from the EAR which in my comparisons wasn't even close to the JLTI. The Nagra could be an option that I imagine could work very well too. I would go with a solid state phono for the Lyra. And I am usually a tube person (currently running the Monbrison with A23 step-up and Allaerts cartridge). All the tube amps I tried just weren't the best match. |
With my Lyra manuf. AQ 7000fe5 (.5mv) which sounds more like the Titan i than the Argo i... I have used a Xono, EAR 834p, and now a Joule Electra OPS1 mk4. The Joule is the most detailed, the most musical, and throws the best soundstage of the group here. Layered, dynamic, real sounding to these ears (and tube rollers dream too). Ac cords and isolation effect all 3 greatly btw... a steal when found used here on Agon... |
Restock,
I understand there are 3 versions or is it 4 versions of the JLTi, which version do you have ?
I'm quite interested in the JLTI, looks like the kind of phono stage am looking at.
Any one here have experience with Tom Evans phono products ? |
I second the EAR 834p. The Lyra's have a reputation for being analytical (in the best sense of the word), so a good tube preamp makes a good pairing.
I would say, however, that you are probably doing it backwards. Find a phono stage that you really like, and match the cartridge to it. My reasoning is that the phono stage will last far longer than a cartridge.
Just a thought.
Cheers |
i have been advised by some other dealers that the Solid state Tom Evans, groove or microgroove seems to work well w/ the lyra cartridges ??? |
Excellent results with a BAT VK-P10SE superpak and a Lyra Skala |
Sdrenslow makes a good point here. I forgot. I used BAT phono stages for years a VK P5, P10, and P10SE.
They all match up very well with Lyra's. At the time I used a Lyra Lydian Beta or Lyra Helicon with the BATs. |
I use Lyra Dorian/Goldmund TT and arm combination with a Sphinx phono-pre, which is fully adjustable to suit most cartridges. A good pairing to my ears, but the Sphinx (called Phono Equalizer) might be hard to find. |
I have the Nagra VPS and it sounds great with my Lyra & Koetsu cartridges. If it is to costly I recommend you try the Nagra BPS. I have listen to both of my cartridges through it and it sounded very very good. |
How about 47Lab Phonocube |
Let me do a quick summary of our choices here:
47 labs Phonocube
EAR 834 p
Nagra VPS
BAT Phono Stage
JLTi
Pass Xono
Joule Electra OPSI Mk 4
Sutherland
Anyone else with difference phono stage ??
thanks for all those who contributed.
Noli |
Don't forget the previously mentioned Nagra BPS! It is a great sounding phono stage and a very cost effective alternative to the Nagra VPS.
Good luck! |
I use a K&K "Maxxed-Out" phono stage with my Skala (and an Argo before), and am quite pleased - I've compared it with several more expensive phono stages, and have never found it to be lacking in any performance parameter, especially considering the price. Musical, communicative, ultra quiet and it does the "hi-fi" things nicely as well. Although marketed as a kit, Kevin will assemble a complete, tested unit. The build is a lot of fun, but takes time and soldering skills.
-Richard |
I haven't heard one myself, but, I would look into the Artemis tube phonostage. It appears to be a sensible design and it is not too expensive. The Manley phonostage is pretty nice sounding, and very versatile, but it cost more than twice the Artemis.
I personally prefer tube phonostages for most MC cartridges. I use a Viva fono myself with a Titan, though that stage is now crazy expensive. A friend has a Tron phonostage that I've heard in two different systems that sounds pretty good, provided you find the right tubes (friend ended up with Amperex Bugle boy 12ax7s as the preferred small signal tube).
Of the solid state stages I've heard, I think the Sutherland sounds decent (a touch "polite" sounding, but nice). I also like the 47 Labs Phonocube (lively and "direct" sounding). On the high end of the price scale, I like the Naim Stageline (quite expensive unless you can find a suitable, used power supply). A friend has a Stageline for use with a Lyra Titan and a Transfiguration Orpheus.
Good luck on your search. |
Hi Larry,
Which Lyra cartridge did your friend have that was mated w/ the Tron Phonostage ?
Thank you.
Noli |
I've heard the Tron with the Lyra Helikon, Transfiguration Orpheus and the Ortofon PW. It works well with all three, even though it does not offer different loading options. |
