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Suggestions to upgrade from Lyra Delos

Greetings again folks:

I've done a bunch of tweaking and fiddling with my Thorens TD124 including a new arm (Jeff Spall), Audio Silente bushings and other minor things.  I love my Delos in general, but I feel like it's missing something.  It's very detailed, fast, tight bass, good channel separation and soundstage (in general, feels a bit compressed front to back) but I feel like I'm missing that 'thing.'  Of course it could just be perception on my part, but I don't have much to compare with so that is the intent of this thread.

The rig:

Thorens TD124 Mk1 w/Mk II mods
Jeff Spall (Audiomods UK) Tonearm,v6
Lyra Delos, with Microridge stylus (original, not rebuilt)
Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC (Loaded at 110 Ohms)
Stax SRM-007T Headphone Amp with Stax Lambda Nova Signature headphones

I'd like to stay under $5K as well and would prefer a similar cost to the Delos ($2K) if possible, but willing to invest more in a different experience if that experience is better.

I realize this is a highly subjective ask.  I would appreciate responses from those that have gone from or to a Delos and what you went to / from.  I'm certainly considering the Kleos or a used Etna (if I can find one in the price range) but again, would like to try another direction to experience a broader range of sound signatures.

Thank you, in advance, for any suggestions.

dducat

Showing 1 response by karl_desch

karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
446 posts
 
I have lots of experience with the Audiomods arm although I am currently not using one.  It is a great arm and should work great with the Delos.  I think you can tweak the setup parameters to get at what you may be missing but I also thinking you are hearing the Delos for what it is. 

Exploring news carts is fun. I have a Koetsu RSP and a Lyra Etna SL So I know these house sounds well and feel like they fall at two ends of a continuum. In the middle of them are carts like Ortofon A90 and SoundSmith carts like the MIMC Star, Paua and Sussurro.  Any of those, once they finally break in, might be the change your ears are looking for.  I have a Sussurro ES and an A90. The SoundSmith in particular seems to "get out of the way" to me so that I don't notice the characteristics of the cart and just listen to the music.  Some may interpret this as boring?  Unlike the Koetsu, the SoundSmith carts will work great with your Audiomods.  Your phono pre needs to be able to load them 470 Ohms or higher.

 
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