Replacing Lyra Kleos at end of its life need suggestions as to what next?


I purchased a slightly used Lyra Kleos on Audiogon awhile back and its now probably close to retirement. 

I have enjoyed the cartridge and considered upgrading to the Lyra Etna but its rather expensive.  I thought about getting another Kleos but think want to upgrade rather than simply replace.

A couple dealers have suggested either a Soundsmith Hyperion or a ZYX Universe III.  The ZYX is roughly the cost of the Etna so that gives me pause.

Complicating matters neither of the dealers are local so would have to mount the pricey cartridge myself or with the assistance of friends in or out of the audiogon community.  

I have a Lenco L75 idler wheel direct drive turntable that has an upgraded plinth among other things and am using a Dartzeel phono/line preamplifier.

I listen to wide assortment of music including jazz, rock, and singer/songwriter stuff.....but not classical music....

any thoughts welcome

thanks

Michael

radioheadokplayer

Showing 3 responses by invictus005

The best Soundsmith can do is a stock Namiki boron cantilever with standard line contact stylus. This will be at the level of Delos and guaranteed worse as no rebuild is a perfect rebuild. 

Kleos has a Lyra proprietary stylus shape, which is most likely custom built by Namiki. 

Lyra takes trades. Trade it in for a new Kleos or Etna. What is there to even think about?
Lyra has a fantastic customer service. $2100 for what will be a new cartridge is a great deal. I ask again, what is there to even think about?