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 7 responses by radioheadokplayer

thanks for all the suggestions....I thought about trading in the cartridge but if I need a new cartridge want a different and better cartridge.
While I would happily get a Lyra Etna even with a trade in its too expensive (assuming I have to pay the MSRP for the Etna).  Even if the manufacturer provided 20 percent off the Etna that would still mean $7,000.  I would not spend more than $5,000 on any cartridge.
yes if wanted to make life easy would get another kleos but wanna try something different
I appreciate how many people reached out here to me...

this community is a great resource for the audio pursuit.

I do intend to retip the Kleos through Soundsmith so as to have as a backup cartridge.

I am acquiring a Soundsmith Hyperion cartridge.  My Dartzeel Phono Preamplifier is not easy to change the loading (requires opening the unit and soldering) so wanted to a cartridge that would work with the existing loading of my Dartzeel and not require a lot of loading experimentation. 

this cartridge also has a reputation for being relatively easy to set up and maintain.  I will probably also need to get an upgraded arm in the near future and this cart seems not to be especially picky about tonearms.

Most of all it seems respected for its sonics by many people that I trust.  I wanted a cart that was very adept at a wide range of music and this cart has a good reputation in that respect.  Finally it is expensive but not exorbitant.  It helps that its backed by a 10 year warranty and a very generous retipping policy.  
I might consider kleos too to retip unless they want more than 50 percent of cost of cart.

I dont think kleos is worn but might be in autumn of its life....

I estimate have 2000 hours on it but could me more dont keep log after all




hi,

retipping the kleos take 3-4 months and cost $2100 whereas can buy new Kleos for $3000 and often much less. 

perhaps for some that is a no brainer but to me its questionable value.

in any event I dont want to use same cartridge on same TT so not sure why some people here keep parroting this is no brainer  just get lyra ro retip for $2100

If after new cart breaks in I miss Lyra sound might consider trade in for Kleos SL but otherwise might just sell as is 


I removed the Kleos cartridge and will be retipping it with Soundsmith.

We put a Soundsmith Hyperion on the table and its a tremendous cartridge. Transparent yet rich with wonderful channel separation and deep tight bass.

The Kleos is an excellent cartridge too and before it became somewhat worn it was very enjoyable and can easily see installing it retipped in my second system where I am currently enjoying an Ortofon A90.

Thanks for everyone’s input and the able assistance of Dan Meinwald at Ear Audio USA who installed it for me and of course Jonathan Tinn for recommending and selling me the cartridge at a nice price.

I still think that a better arm would take it up another level and will consider that in the future as well.