jrhymeammo
07-16-2009, 05:45 PM
I got a Lyra Clavis DC retipped by VDH. It is certainly one of the best sound I've heard.<o></o>
Perhaps it's not quite as smooth as the Transfiguration, but the Lyra excels in terms of air.
The Ebay seller claimed this cartridge had less than 5 hours of playing time, and it seems to be true. This little devil has really opened up after 20+ hours and additional 10 or so more hours later, the cartridge has exceeded my expectation. Analog fan knows the meaning of break-in-time of cartridges. <o></o>
High freq does not show a hint of artificial or forced tone like the Shelter. The Midrange does not sound rich or exaggerated, just neutral. Lower freq sounds tuneful. It's quite possible that sound people may find it lacking in bass, but my single driver speakers won't play below 40Hz so cannot comment.<o></o>
Since I got it retipped by VDH, I cannot compare to the stock unit, but this cartridge/stylus tracks with minimal noise.<o></o>
Having a Step up Transformer connected to the MM setting helps, but noise has not been an issue.<o></o>
<o></o>
One thing I've noticed with this cartridge is that it doesn’t exaggerate bad recordings. <o></o>
I don't understand why or how it accomplishes to bloom all recordings. Maybe I'm just excited about my new toy. Who knows.:14:<o></o>
<o></o>
Due to my habit in this hobby, I just don’t see the benefit of buying a new cartridge, as long as I can find a used one in good shape. Even if a cartridge has less than 500 hours to play, 500 hours is still a long time (700 albums?). After 3-400 hours, I'm always looking for a different cartridge/sound. Retipping can always be done for less than $400. It's no brainer for me. <o></o>
<o></o>
http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/medium/REVIEW_PIC1.JPG
<o></o>
<o>
</o>
Have Fun,<o></o>
JRA<o></o>
Perhaps it's not quite as smooth as the Transfiguration, but the Lyra excels in terms of air.
The Ebay seller claimed this cartridge had less than 5 hours of playing time, and it seems to be true. This little devil has really opened up after 20+ hours and additional 10 or so more hours later, the cartridge has exceeded my expectation. Analog fan knows the meaning of break-in-time of cartridges. <o></o>
High freq does not show a hint of artificial or forced tone like the Shelter. The Midrange does not sound rich or exaggerated, just neutral. Lower freq sounds tuneful. It's quite possible that sound people may find it lacking in bass, but my single driver speakers won't play below 40Hz so cannot comment.<o></o>
Since I got it retipped by VDH, I cannot compare to the stock unit, but this cartridge/stylus tracks with minimal noise.<o></o>
Having a Step up Transformer connected to the MM setting helps, but noise has not been an issue.<o></o>
<o></o>
One thing I've noticed with this cartridge is that it doesn’t exaggerate bad recordings. <o></o>
I don't understand why or how it accomplishes to bloom all recordings. Maybe I'm just excited about my new toy. Who knows.:14:<o></o>
<o></o>
Due to my habit in this hobby, I just don’t see the benefit of buying a new cartridge, as long as I can find a used one in good shape. Even if a cartridge has less than 500 hours to play, 500 hours is still a long time (700 albums?). After 3-400 hours, I'm always looking for a different cartridge/sound. Retipping can always be done for less than $400. It's no brainer for me. <o></o>
<o></o>
http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/medium/REVIEW_PIC1.JPG
<o></o>
<o>
</o>
Have Fun,<o></o>
JRA<o></o>