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Cartridges: Kuzma CAR or Lyra on a 4-Point (11") arm

Hi there,
I have a Kuzma Stabi-M and 4-Point (11") first generation arm, and a CAR-40.
Used to own a Lyra Delos before upgrading to the CAR, and found that the CAR-40 has a more "grounded sound" while Lyra has a more "nimble & lithe" sound.  The CAR is a sturdier cartridge, as the Delos suspension did not last as long.  The Delos is still sitting in a drawer.

Looking to upgrade my 7 year old CAR-40 now.  New cartridge will be fitted on the said arm and turntable.
Considering CAR-50 and Lyra Etna Lambda.

What are your views and comments?  Thank you for your advice.

hamburger
vortrex
273 posts
 
“I suspect if anyone found the CAR50 "boring" it either doesn’t match their system or they prefer more emphasis on hifi type presentation of music.“

I’m a fan of Kuzma but it was boring to me. I thought the Air Tight PC7 at less than 50% the cost was better. I assume since my analog rig was all Kuzma and my phono pre had many loading options this was not a matching issue. Definitely consider my preference to be strongly anti HiFi. 
dover
2,187 posts
 
@vortrex 
I have heard the Air Tight PC7 on a very good front end - $60k worth - muddled in the mids. CAR50 in my experience far more resolution, more coherent. Can only assume it didn't match your system. 
vortrex
273 posts
 
Or the PC7 didn’t match the $60k system? Sounds like that’s the case since the PC7 was muddled sounding. I don’t think the CAR50 sounded bad, it actually sounded great, just boring and not engaging for me. There’s nothing that was “wrong”. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 

Wondering how people feel …months later ? i am at the 10 ish hour mark on a CAR40 on a Triplaner / Bardo / HRS into a Herron phono ( load is 220 ) and it is as a dealer who sells both Kuzma and Lyra “ the Delos is like a fit athlete, the CAR40 is the same fit athlete with an added 8# of muscle….

i agree….. i am of course retaining the Delos…so many tables, so many arms…. fun.

I have spent some happy hours listening to the CAR50 on a 4 pt 9” on a Kuzma deck w Minus K…..it’s…. anything but boring……

Best to all in our quest 

lohanimal
659 posts
 

Who makes the kuzma cartridges?

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