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Lyra Olympos SL: Discontinued?

Hi all,

For a couple of years I have lusted after a Lyra Olympos SL. I know about the donor Parnassus requirement; I have had a Parnassus for about 15 years. :-)

Anyway, I am now able to contemplate such a purchase, but was told that no more Olymposes are being made, even for those with a suitable donor Parnassus. Is this correct? (Hopefully John Carr will see this post and be able to provide an authoritative answer!)

Obviously, if the Olympos is indeed no longer being made, I guess the logical alternative would be an Atlas. To those that have heard both the Atlas and Olympos SL, what are your thoughts, and how do they compare (and how do they compare to the Parnassus)? I guess this is another one for JCarr for the time being! :-)

Many thanks in advance for any insight!
richteer
richteer OP
12 posts
 
Thanks for your insightful answer, Jonathan!

Just to be clear, would I be correct in thinking that given that I have sufficient funds for either an Atlas OR an Olympos SL (but not both at this time), the Atlas would be the better option, even though I have a Parnassus I can use as a donor)?

Assuming the Atlas is the one to go for, I'll probably hang on to my Parnassus (even though the suspension has recently failed, hence why I'm in the market for a new cartridge). If the funds ever become available, I like the idea of owner an ultra-rare Olympos SL, and I'll need my Parnassus to make it happen! :-)
jcarr
382 posts
 
Hi Rich: If your desire is for a beautiful-sounding, "feel-good" cartridge, the Olympos remains very attractive.

My personal choice would be for the Atlas rather than the Olympos, but that is because I am interested in the maximum density or intensity of musical expression that I can extract from LP grooves. However, I should point out that the Atlas strikes an excellent balance between revealing more of what's on the LPs and not making the inevitable warts hard to take. To my ears, the Atlas is a better-balanced cartridge than either the Titan or Olympos.

The Olympos is a physically beautiful object, one that I like very much. If I were you, I also would keep the Parnassus safe (smile).

kind regards, jonathan carr
ml89009
14 posts
 
Jonathan,
for the 1st time in all my audio years i broke the stylus.
i am sick. had 2 arms and using both and the guard not on it.
Can i send it to you for rebuild or what?

can u contact off line msrljoh@comcast.net or i call you?
richteer OP
12 posts
 
Hi Jonathan,

Partially as a result of your comments, I have decided to take the plunge and order an Atlas! Many thanks for your input. And yes, I will be keeping my Parnassus safe in its box, just in case an Olympos SL becomes a financial possibility (lots of other pressing upgrades to buy first!)... :-)
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 

Audiophile Rule No.1

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