For what it’s worth , I have been using my Lyra Delos for about five years now and I must say “to me” it does sound so great, the details and clarity is superb, it sounds so smooth compare to other cartridge out there that cost two to three times as much. I also read somewhere that Michael Fremer wrote a nice positive review about the Delos and he seems to like it a lot. His personal turntable has a Lyra on it.
Lyra Delos or Hana ML
Has anyone compared these 2 phono cartridges? I was set on buying the Hana but now I'm seeing reviews where the Delos is a better option (albeit a much more costly one). I can't afford the Umami.. My arm is a REGA RB2000 on a SOTA Star table (Pass Aleph ono for the phono stage) . The tonearm has mediium mass, I'm told. Would prefer something on the more rich, lush side (isn't that what analog is all about?).
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If you can find a Benz Micro Zebra on sale, that one is super nice. Smooth, never forward sound but without missing any of the detail or the musicality. Mine was stupid expensive compared to what I should have spent, but every time I listen to it I just giggle and smile at how good it sounds. Also it's channel separation is freaking unbelievable so if you really like to zone in on soundstage details, that one is top notch. |
Thanks @daveyf. I hope I didn’t in any way imply that Lyras are the only game in town. I love them, but can easily find satisfaction with Kuzma, Dynavector, Van den Hul, Ortofon, EMT, Benz, and such. You can see that these brands cover quite a broad range of sonic terrain, and at the end of the day, they’re all editorializing to a greater or lesser degree (nothing is perfect). It’s pretty much like my 4 electric guitars. Each one is different, and each one is my favorite (but my Martin acoustic is forever). ... Thom @ Galibier |
@nlitworld I’m seeing a Benz Micro Zebra L on eBay for $1750. Seems like a decent price. I’m a little hesitant purchasing a cart on eBay but if it’s a good price might be worth it? |
My head is starting to hurt. So many choices and so many things to consider. I do agree that cartridge set-up and tone arm compatibility is paramount. The RB2000 is a little bit of an oddball, admittedly. I’m not aware of anyone in the Boston area that sells Lyra so that would seem to rule that out. One thing I like about the Hana is that there are 3 or 4 dealers within 50 miles that sell it. I,m sure that one of them would be willing to install it on my table. The rega apheta 3 is also an option, but this was a very limited production run and availability might be an issue (also, double the price of the Hana). It’s too bad Hana doesn’t make a cartridge between the ML and the Umami. |
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