I have the same Lyra Delos is amazing and you have hit it on the nail with it does reveal recordings as they are! that is why I only play almost new vinyl only because with old records playback it does reveals everything as well as the pops and jumps and the scratches your record has basically it will reveal every condition your record is including if it has been clean properly or not and it will expose those pops quiet loud too! this cartridge will let you know which recording or vinyl condition is great or bad and to be honest it will really tell you that it only wants to play new or well taken care vinyl only....for old vinyl I use another Turntable with the Orefon Blue or Black !
%99,9 of the records is cut from digital files, you wouldn't notice, but they are mastered for vinyl records which is good, still the cutting-head doesn't cut digital steps. A digital file is such a high resolution, it is a waveform that the cutting-head will cut smoothly, just as if it were analogue. This whole thing is so misunderstood. People think there is 24 steps or 16 steps, whatever source, but forget the essence of audio and what happens.
I just got my first turntable 2 weeks ago. The library has vinyl now, and I got a couple records for my 45th birthday. It's a gentler sound than streaming, and it's less fatiguing. I'm also listening to full albums which is nice.
You know uh ... Dynavector XX2 is a cartridge with 20-20 F.R. and Steve finds ... dynamics tamped down a bit compared to his ... sample ... Lyra Delios with an F.R. of 10Hz-50KHz (Different sample different sound). So this is a subtle hint that the XX2 is a large bookshelf speaker choice and uh ... the Lyra Delios is uh ... a British ... QUAD II amplifier, wide-band F.R. choice and so the Lyra Delios suits certain but not all floor-standing speakers. Steve starts by saying the viewers are audiophiles but isn't using an audiophile turntable, he is using a Disco turntable and doesn't compare a Grado DJ cartridge ... because you know, they're 5mV and you know ... using a Moving Coil with a Disco Turntable is uh ... a little confusing. But you know, nice video and all that.
Have fun with that new turntable! Henry Rollins made a great video on record handling - they are easy to damage but also easy to take care of. Full albums are a different experience for sure. There are all sorts of thematic albums from the 60's and after. If you have 45 minutes to spare and want to relax, try The Moody Blues 'Threshold of a Dream'. As Steve mentioned, Procol Harum has a few great thematic albums too.
*There’s an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon)*
Hey Steve! You've won a free Focal floor stand system complete with a May DAC and Pass Lab Monoblocks! Respond on whatsapp with your whole social and mothers maiden name + shipping payment to receive your totally legit not fake prize 🤭
I enjoy collecting and playing vinyl. But far from your title, it does not come even close to Ruling. Digital is objectively so much better for listening to and for SQ, as compared to analog vinyl.
Your review is spot on. I'm running a Delos cart on my Nottingham Analogue 294 Space deck through an EAR 834P phono stage and it is simply startling and the best I have heard. But be warned: It will absolutely let you know when a recording is not so good. I find myself with about 300 LP's from the 70's that I can no longer listen to because of their less than good recording sound quality. At first i thought this was unfortunate and maybe in some why it is but it has changed the way I buy and listen to music, hunting out only superb sounding LP's. This cartridge is a game changer for me and I've no desire to change anything in this chain. It mops the floor against my digital side, which is no slouch (currently an Antelope Audio Zodiac plus). Thanks for the review
Great review Steve. Thank you. I started listening to Procol Harum Live (Tidal + B&O Penta) and man what a nice sounding album. So while I was listening, I noticed the album’s cover illustration details the whole set up including how it was mic’ed up! I mean there’s probably some artistic license there but as the French horn was playing I felt like I was watching it! Haha. Thanks again
Another great video. Thought of you - Steve Guttenberg - as I had a first appointment with an audiologist. His very first question to me was "Are you an audiophile?". All I could think of was the pause that usually comes from the person expected to answer that question when asked by you in videos. It was a great moment for sure. Will be happy to regain some of my hearing. Nice music selection - Chambers Brothers.
Hey Steve, great episode as usual. I was at that Procol Harum recording, some of the whistles and claps were mine, and of course I bought and still have the album.
I can add a bit to the assumption about who we are: We are an audience who enjoys and appreciates your lifelong hard -earned knowledge that you pass on to us. Thank you.
I have a few hours playtime at my dealer with the lyra delos, kleos and etna. All of these are immensly great cartridges. Especially the Etna in combination with some magnepans made me feel like I was sitting in the drumset with some recordings. First time I've heard anything coming close to reproduce the dynamics of a drumset.
Finally a Delos review! Unfortunately there are pretty much no youtube reviews and I've read all of the article reviews online. Definitely my best cartridge which I will be getting retipped when it's time.
I bought a copy of the Procol live album from my friend Ray, back in the 1990's. He was one of those guys who never played his records. So my gold 1960's A&M Records copy was immediately dubbed to cassette, then sat on a shelf until I got hold of it! I probably should've bought his copy of Jefferson Airplane's *Surrealistic Pillow* too. 😏
I agree with your analysis to a large extent. I have had a Lyra Delos system on my SME Model 10 for many years, and in combination with the more full-bodied EAR 834p, it sounds magical. Yes, it's more analytical than Benz, Grado or Ortofon systems in the same price range, but it's not like listening with a scalpel and dissecting every track. Of course, it can be listening habit, but I would say over time the Delos system gains a certain amount of smoothness and silkiness. Absolute recommendation.
I own a Lyra Lydian which was the low end model, now discontinued and what you're describing seems to be characteristic of Lyra cartridges. McBoom is a wonderful recording of every type of percussion instrument imaginable. The first time I went to listen to live jazz , it was the Max Roach Quintet and what you said about Max rings true as well. Even his wife, Abby Lincoln would get up and do a few songs every Friday night for several months that my friend and I were at the Five Spot in 1975. Memories, memories.
I'm the same way with the % I play analog. And yes that's changed _a lot_ in the past year, even though I'm heavily invested in digital. So what happened? The SL1200G is what happened. Not only is it (relatively) inexpensive, built like a swiss watch and has performance to match - but for the first time _ever_ I can easily change cartridges! The last time I had a "DJ DD TT" I was in college, and could barely afford ramen, much less more than one cart. And with my crazy sensitive tonearms of recent years, swapping carts was a nail biting project. Now it's a matter of minutes to adjust weight and VTA. *Game changer!*
Hi Had to go past the Lyra cartridges. I have an old Dorian on my Well Tempered AMADEUS . It just keeps going. You are correct in saying how revealing they are.
Thanks John, I might at some point change out the arm but I'm in no hurry. I just want to leave it stock, I did the arm changing thing with most of my other belt drive turntables. Everything makes a difference, but that doesn't mean you need to change everything.
Good and Green again is a stunning album. I cant get enough of it. Labeling this music is difficult, sounds kind of bluesy, country, Folky. Reading the notes I found out he gets his inspiration for lyrics from early American songs and poetry. Combined with his wonderful amplified guitar playing and the quality of recording makes it truly special.
I prefer a touch of sugar coating in my cartridges. I'm running a vintage NOS Sony XL55 MC at the moment and it is fantastic, musical (balanced / not overly analytical) and magical. Have you tried any quintet cartridges? I'd love to try a Koetsu or Kiseki one day. Lyras sound like they may go down the slightly drier analytical side which isn't my thing, but thanks for your as always amazing review Steve. 👍
Steve, please review a Soundsmith cart! Preferably the Hyperion but any would be great. They're practically next door to you! Keep up the fantastic work, and moar carts plz ^_^
I love Analog Steve ! I Brought a Rotel 1592 MK11 Dac Amplifier Stero just wharfedale 4.4 Speakers , my analog -RCD-1572 MK11 CD PlayER I hooked up with Balanced XLR Inputs Sounds Unreal < My Turntable a Project X1 has a ortofon just a 2m Blue Cartridge ! Both on Analog & I aint going back to Digital anytime soon thanks for you for the videos Steve ! Cheers from OZ.
Very good review Steve. It would be interesting for you to delve into what causes the warm vinyl sound. Particularly as most modern recordings are digitally sourced. I do miss my Linn LP12 but am happy with my Innuos Zen. What would the studio listen to via the mixing desk? Is the vinyl sound more enjoyable than that? Is it a pleasant form of distortion? It would be interesting to explore this objectively. Thanks again.
Hi Steve watch your show on TH-cam a lot I am a audiophiliac and I was looking for a good cartridge moving coil but there are so many out there washed your peace and dilos MC cartridge I like the way it looks and your interview on it was great I have a VPI Prime signature in Rosewood. I think the price is great something. Thank you for your review be watching you again on TH-cam from Gennaro in Puerto Rico✌️
I've had a Delos for a few years. It has a really bold, clear and dynamic sound, it tracks in an uncanny way, as if it was being sucked into the groove (Lyra's asymmetric suspension?). Some people prefer moving magnet cartridges to moving coils, I think they should hear a Delos, it could be the MC that changes their minds. I have heard very low output moving coil cartridges that have a lucid delicate quality that I don't find with the Delos, I would like to try one of Lyra's low output models, maybe they have the best of both worlds?
Tone arm lifter for the 1200G…I use a little fwend. It really is a night and day upgrade! I no longer have to jump to pick up the stylus from the end groove….
U told me I wasn’t an audiophile because I like to be outdoors It’s so sad because I really like music Saw muse yesterday and have new order tickets I wish I could be considered worthy of liking music
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I just got a pair of rel ht 12, it’s the last version but they were 450$. That’s my latest toy. Looking to buy BIG speakers next year for a finished downstairs. The PS audio are nice, I have auditioned magnapan 3.7, la scalla, pure audio quad 15…..
The viewer's system, he's using a Rocket bulb blower to rid the dust off the albums. I highly recommend this and quit using the popular carbon brushes. The brushes don't remove static as claimed, and leave fibers behind on the record. Use a strong turntable light and you'll be astounded by how little good those brushes do. A camel hair lens brush for stubborn dust and the Rocket blower work much better if you use a good wet cleaning system.
Yes analog does rule even if you're using CDs DVDs mini disc d a t or some other digital format where the sound is stored running it through analog equipment is just as good and wonderful prove this to myself 40 years ago the day I first bought my first CD in August of 1980 and that disc to prove how quiet and wonderfully crisp music could be was the first import version of Pink Floyd's meddle. Japanese EMI Black label quite expensive for the day but worth every second of sound played through at the time which were the pioneer HPM 900s four of them..
A lot of Lyra owners here and the Delos is a cartridge I used for a couple of years. Whilst I think it its does excel at speed, dynamics and detail I don't think it has the best tonal balance or body and weight to the music. A Benz Micro or Shelter will leave the Delos sounding somewhat anemic in the midrange, with orchestral music the Lyra lacks the necessary body and heft to be convincing. For those wanting the speed and detail I'd recommend Shelter cartridges which to my ears are like a more fleshed out Lyra, they're also at home with a wide range of musical genres.
last weekend i did a 5 or so hour dedicated vinyl listening session. and man did my budget audiophile system sound sweet. a modest pro-ject debut lll from 2004 with a nice ortofon OM 20 stylus and a few other tweaks.
I run a debut lll with an Ortofon 10, I was worried that I wouldn’t get the best from a 20 with the fitted tone arm, unless you’ve upgraded yours I may have to look into getting one
@@pedge66 i went from a 5 to a 10 then a 20 . i have no way to know if am or not i just know i dig the sound. i have thought about going to a 30 but felt that would be a bit of overkill. my biggest issue is with albums that have dirt in the grooves that my brush and disc washer can't reach. i just don't have the inclination to get a disc washing machine. i wish someone would open a business that cleaned vinyl records. i was thinking of doing that but it's only a daydream.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac i put some time and research into my system. it has cambridge audio AZUR amp and CD player , PBS Image B25 monitors on stands ( and i have them trianglulated as best i can in my room) , with a Istreamer for my iPhone and streaming. it on a custom build sturdy wooden rack. the TT has the acrylic platter , a speed box, and a record weight. i did the best i could with the budget i had and have.and i keep my records in good shape and generally only buy minty used or new albums. i have always taken good care of my vinyl. my only issue is some records have dirt deep in the grooves that my brush or discwasher can't reach. i just don't have the inclination to buy a disc washing machine. have wondering why on one has a small disc washing business as part of their record shop etc.
@@malco49 thanks man, I'm really enjoying the 10 as well, have you tried the acrylic platter? I found it made a huge difference. Try a product called deep track cleansing by vinyl clear from Amazon, you may have to do the process a couple of times but I've managed to save a few shameful examples
Steve comparison choices were always a little funky... I remember a video comparing analog with digital sound. To draw conclusions he used his over $10,000 analog rig against a Brooklyn dac playing mqa lol.
At my local record shop, I always ask other customers about their systems. MOST have entry level components/speakers with MM cartridges AND they love the sound of vinyl on their system. I think that most of them love the warm sound of a MM cartridge and wouldn't like the sound of my high end system with a Lyra Kleos MC cartridge that is very revealing.
MM is not specifically a type of sound, warm as you say is just humbug. There are many great MM stylus' sounding just like any MC stylus'. MC stylus' has other advantages the MM doesn't have. MC lasts longer, but cost more when you finally need to swap them out after 1500+ hours. Other factor is the RIAA. Do you have an $5000 RIAA or a $1200 RIAA, etc. Even a $1200 one can't be compared to a cheap AV-Receiver Phono-pre. And I find the $1200 ones sounding bad.
Your visit nudged me into getting all my vinyl out of the attic. Just listened to short sharp shocked by Michelle Shocked for first time in over 25 years. Sounded amazing, but now wondering around singing 'When I grow up I wanna be an old woman'. Embarrassing for a mid 50's male......
I collected about 300 vinyls in the last year. I have all the music services but the fidelity of the vinyl is higher but more so i do way more analytical and focused listening with vinyl where as i tune out with digital.
I love Procel Hairum have you seen the video In Amsterdam also with an orchestra. It makes Live with the Edmunton Symphony orchestra seem flat by comparison.
I'm not a great fan of vinyl. More bother and expense than worth, IMO. Back when I didn't have any worthwhile option other than reel-to-reel tape, I kept thinking there has to be something better than the surface noise, pops and clicks of vinyl.
Strange coincidence .........I allways go back to Procol Harum as one of the better experiences on vinyl...............especialy liked GRAND HOTEL ...........
Taking really good care of one's lps and getting better pressings removes the bulk of pops and clicks. I have both thirty-year old albums and newer audiophile reissues that are 99% or more without pops or clicks. But- most people don't take great care of their lps, and/or buy either crappier new pressings and/or beat-up older/poorly-cared for older ones. I'm fortunate in that I don't tend to listen to pop, it's primarily classical, jazz, classic rock, and world music, that all tend towards good pressings.
pops and clicks is debris in the grooves, most often directly from the fabric. Many of my brand new records has lots of it. After a proper wet-clean they usually vanish. Also, a good MC stylus plays much better through these than MM, but since MC goes deeper into the grooves it also reveals more of it. BUT MC also paves the way through the grooves, so the more you play a record, the better it will sound - with the proper settings of course.
I think a slightly useful analogy to a preference for vinyl is the preference for 24 frames per second in video or in other words slower frame rates than technology is easily capable of. That frame rate was how people learned to see movies and is still preferred. Fewer frames, less information, most people prefer it. Maybe because they were trained to 24fps one might say? As to vinyl I don't think it's less information, but it's more let's say smeared. More error I'd say. More error is better? I mean there might be good neurological reasons why but I'm guessing it's something learned. Which is not meant to dismiss the preference in any way. Which ever way is the most satisfying for you is the best way.
Good question, it varies with factors including the condition of the records, how careful the owner was cueing the records, etc. In general you can expect between 1000 and 2000 hours of play before the stylus needs replacement. Replacement cost is typically half the price of the cartridge. So if you played vinyl for three hours a day that would add up to a year or two. But that's seven days a week, most people don't play music that much that frequently. So in the real world is probably three or four years.
300-500 hours on MM, and 1500+ hours on MC. Rega won't let you change needle for instance, so you need to spend another $1000. I play at least 3 hours everyday, 7 days a week, so I use one MC stylus per year. Streamers will think we are lunatics and weirdos. Yes, we are.
I wouldn’t have considered a cartridge at this price point with that turntable. Interesting. Either the Technics is punching waaay above its price, of the refinement from spending more is way more esoteric than I thought.
What beats a Technics turntable rumble specifications? What beats a Technics turntable wow and flutter? Many old turntables have better specifications than the current high-dollar turntables. I have a nineteen ninety-eight Technics sl-1200 MK5 that I purchased for $450 in 2016. I doubt there's any turntables out there that have any huge or significant improvement over the rumble specifications.
Hi Steve, are you absolutely sure you're using the 'correct' loading for the Lyra? The reason I ask, the sound description you give smacks of high frequency boost. There should not be that much difference between the Lyra and Ortofon, the differences should be subtle!
If I may opine, over the last few months I've been going on line exploring cartridge reviews with measurements. Practically every cartridge I've read about has had some kind of deviation from flat frequency response. Some of those deviations were pretty severe--probably a result of the manufacturer going for a certain sound. The Lyra reviews I've seen showed their cartridges to be pretty much flat from 20 Hz to around 7 kHz. Then the frequency response starts to rise up hitting around +3 db at 10 kHz to +5 db at 15 kHz to +8 db at 20 kHz. That's how my Kleos measured in the German review I read. So, dead flat bass, midrange and low treble and a somewhat hot top end though the +8 db at 20 kHz is meaningless since most adults have lost that frequency (and more) by the age of 30. The dynamics are as Steve stated in his review. Lyras are pretty good trackers too--especially considering the 1.75 gram tracking force.
Hey Steve - curious about the quality of your older vinyl - is it all NM or do you revel in the snap crackle and pop? Also, remember, there’s a word for the way ccr “just moves, just cranks out…” they choogle!! Thanks for the great review!
My old records are in pretty decent shape, but I can't say they're dead quiet. Folks who were upset by snap, crackle, or pop moved on to digital a long time ago. And that's fine, we are each on our own journey.
I have both MC & MM cartridges. I find the MC cartridges have a little more on the top end. I only use the MC cartridges on my Audiophile records so I don't wear them out. The biggest negative about MC cartridges is that they do not have replaceable stylus. Once they wear out, it's done! I can't believe people buy 2k $ & up cartridges only to throw them away a couple of years later. Too rich for me!!
Not sure where you got that idea, every moving coil cartridge I know can be re-tipped by the manufacturer. That cost is usually half the price of the cartridge. In the case of this one, the man who put the cartridge together is the one that re tips the stylus.
WHAT!!!??? An actual spec sheet? Shows compliance?? It can’t be!!! There is nothing in the spec sheet that talks about ‘wispiness and airy’ or the ‘fullness of the bottom registers which… well… I believe we can all agree… takes one’s breath away’. I’ll see my banker on Monday and hope he’ll forward me a wheelbarrow of money for the purchase. 😂
Steve, is it just me, or do you have an affinity for MC cartridges? 🤔I’ll have to watch this video to see if you comment on the MC vs. MM cartridge sound..😉
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Ok, great, so I have to ask.. is it that the cartridges are very expensive, or would you still always prefer a MC over a MM if they were, say both $500? If MC is always the clear winner for you, does it have to do with preamp considerations, or something unique to the cartridge design? Thanks. PS) I would actually like it if you did more videos where you talked about things like this. I know it would be abstract and opinionated, but it’s still interesting.. sometimes my own opinions are regulated by my spending power lol Edits: errors in syntax from voice recognition.
What about the Clearaudio Charisma V2.1 MM which retails for $2,200; most MM stages have a far better S/N ratio; moving coil cartridge, the noise level is much higher.
@@mahasidha9 I’m glad you touched on this .. actually one of the reasons why I was probing Steve in the first place, because the moving coil cartridge output is typically low enough that the preamp definitely needs more gain and lower noise figure with a higher CMRR that I just didn’t see it as a cost-effective alternative, but I’m not a subject matter expert.
More vinyl less digital? Oh, you're returning to the womb? The slow regression back to the time before one was. Pretty normal for someone who is old enough to see the other side. Was existence in the womb analogue? Now that IS a question!
Steve I’m playing my 40 + year old Akai turntable with a newish Audio Technica 91e cart and the sound is amazing! My vinyl is in good condition I think that’s the key ! I just can’t justify spending thousands on new gear when it sounds this good!
Am I the only one who would like the $ price $ to be mentioned within the first 30 seconds, so I can decide whether it's within my budget straight up instead of hearing about how fantastic the product is then discovering its 16k? 😝
So what I am hearing you saying is the cartridge your testing is overly bright and edgy and as your speakers don't produce the bottom one and half octaves your not able to hear what the XX-2 is all about. That is producing the fundamentals where music begins and the higher frequencies of music are built upon.
If I can get my cd player up about 40% in sound quality, I am going to feel like laughing at all who say vinyl is superior. 40% more mind you, and I am going into hysterical laughter. Will I figure out a way to get 40% better sound quality when playing cds? I don't rightly know, but I will be laughing. A cd spray which improves reflectivity of the silver is said to give 10% more sound quality. Another product combats static electricity in and around the components; another 10%. There is a cd mat you place on a cd before playing; another 10%. I'll need to use my creativity to get that last 10%, but I think I can do it, since over the years I've done mods that added up to 180% improvement. I am plum out of ideas right now, but I feel confident one will be eventually forthcoming. Oh yeah, my cd playback is 15% behind vinyl playback now, for sound quality. 40% will take me 25% above vinyl as far as cd playback sound quality. That's enough difference that it is unmistakably better.
I have the same Lyra Delos is amazing and you have hit it on the nail with it does reveal recordings as they are! that is why I only play almost new vinyl only because with old records playback it does reveals everything as well as the pops and jumps and the scratches your record has basically it will reveal every condition your record is including if it has been clean properly or not and it will expose those pops quiet loud too! this cartridge will let you know which recording or vinyl condition is great or bad and to be honest it will really tell you that it only wants to play new or well taken care vinyl only....for old vinyl I use another Turntable with the Orefon Blue or Black !
To those with discerning taste, analog clearly rules. Thank you.
%99,9 of the records is cut from digital files, you wouldn't notice, but they are mastered for vinyl records which is good, still the cutting-head doesn't cut digital steps. A digital file is such a high resolution, it is a waveform that the cutting-head will cut smoothly, just as if it were analogue. This whole thing is so misunderstood. People think there is 24 steps or 16 steps, whatever source, but forget the essence of audio and what happens.
I just got my first turntable 2 weeks ago. The library has vinyl now, and I got a couple records for my 45th birthday. It's a gentler sound than streaming, and it's less fatiguing. I'm also listening to full albums which is nice.
You know uh ... Dynavector XX2 is a cartridge with 20-20 F.R. and Steve finds ... dynamics tamped down a bit compared to his ... sample ... Lyra Delios with an F.R. of 10Hz-50KHz (Different sample different sound). So this is a subtle hint that the XX2 is a large bookshelf speaker choice and uh ... the Lyra Delios is uh ... a British ... QUAD II amplifier, wide-band F.R. choice and so the Lyra Delios suits certain but not all floor-standing speakers. Steve starts by saying the viewers are audiophiles but isn't using an audiophile turntable, he is using a Disco turntable and doesn't compare a Grado DJ cartridge ... because you know, they're 5mV and you know ... using a Moving Coil with a Disco Turntable is uh ... a little confusing. But you know, nice video and all that.
Knob😊
Have fun with that new turntable! Henry Rollins made a great video on record handling - they are easy to damage but also easy to take care of. Full albums are a different experience for sure. There are all sorts of thematic albums from the 60's and after. If you have 45 minutes to spare and want to relax, try The Moody Blues 'Threshold of a Dream'. As Steve mentioned, Procol Harum has a few great thematic albums too.
*There’s an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon)*
Hey Steve! You've won a free Focal floor stand system complete with a May DAC and Pass Lab Monoblocks! Respond on whatsapp with your whole social and mothers maiden name + shipping payment to receive your totally legit not fake prize 🤭
I enjoy collecting and playing vinyl. But far from your title, it does not come even close to Ruling. Digital is objectively so much better for listening to and for SQ, as compared to analog vinyl.
Your review is spot on. I'm running a Delos cart on my Nottingham Analogue 294 Space deck through an EAR 834P phono stage and it is simply startling and the best I have heard. But be warned: It will absolutely let you know when a recording is not so good. I find myself with about 300 LP's from the 70's that I can no longer listen to because of their less than good recording sound quality. At first i thought this was unfortunate and maybe in some why it is but it has changed the way I buy and listen to music, hunting out only superb sounding LP's. This cartridge is a game changer for me and I've no desire to change anything in this chain. It mops the floor against my digital side, which is no slouch (currently an Antelope Audio Zodiac plus). Thanks for the review
Great review again... and now I am going to check out the records you mentioned!
Steve,
Love your videos, thank you for sharing your expertise and the hi-res files. Cheers!
Oscar for the best shirt versus background intro of all your vids . Shirt system of the day .
I Love all the formats Steve and appreciate all of them, but I LOVE LOVE Vinyl the most!!!
Great review Steve. Thank you. I started listening to Procol Harum Live (Tidal + B&O Penta) and man what a nice sounding album.
So while I was listening, I noticed the album’s cover illustration details the whole set up including how it was mic’ed up! I mean there’s probably some artistic license there but as the French horn was playing I felt like I was watching it! Haha. Thanks again
Always interesting & entertaining. Love viewer systems, of course. 🔈🔉🔊
Another great video. Thought of you - Steve Guttenberg - as I had a first appointment with an audiologist. His very first question to me was "Are you an audiophile?". All I could think of was the pause that usually comes from the person expected to answer that question when asked by you in videos. It was a great moment for sure. Will be happy to regain some of my hearing. Nice music selection - Chambers Brothers.
Hey Steve, great episode as usual. I was at that Procol Harum recording, some of the whistles and claps were mine, and of course I bought and still have the album.
I can add a bit to the assumption about who we are: We are an audience who enjoys and appreciates your lifelong hard -earned knowledge that you pass on to us. Thank you.
Thank you so much for watching!
I'm an audiophile. I'm also 65 and half deaf. The finer nuances is lost on me I'm afraid... but OH the memories 🥰
Excellent review Steve.
I have a few hours playtime at my dealer with the lyra delos, kleos and etna. All of these are immensly great cartridges. Especially the Etna in combination with some magnepans made me feel like I was sitting in the drumset with some recordings. First time I've heard anything coming close to reproduce the dynamics of a drumset.
Finally a Delos review! Unfortunately there are pretty much no youtube reviews and I've read all of the article reviews online. Definitely my best cartridge which I will be getting retipped when it's time.
I bought a copy of the Procol live album from my friend Ray, back in the 1990's. He was one of those guys who never played his records. So my gold 1960's A&M Records copy was immediately dubbed to cassette, then sat on a shelf until I got hold of it! I probably should've bought his copy of Jefferson Airplane's *Surrealistic Pillow* too. 😏
I agree with your analysis to a large extent. I have had a Lyra Delos system on my SME Model 10 for many years, and in combination with the more full-bodied EAR 834p, it sounds magical. Yes, it's more analytical than Benz, Grado or Ortofon systems in the same price range, but it's not like listening with a scalpel and dissecting every track. Of course, it can be listening habit, but I would say over time the Delos system gains a certain amount of smoothness and silkiness. Absolute recommendation.
I own a Lyra Lydian which was the low end model, now discontinued and what you're describing seems to be characteristic of Lyra cartridges.
McBoom is a wonderful recording of every type of percussion instrument imaginable. The first time I went to listen to live jazz , it was the Max Roach Quintet and what you said about Max rings true as well. Even his wife, Abby Lincoln would get up and do a few songs every Friday night for several months that my friend and I were at the Five Spot in 1975. Memories, memories.
I use a Kleos these days but loved my Delos.
Another amazing episode...Thanks!
I'm the same way with the % I play analog. And yes that's changed _a lot_ in the past year, even though I'm heavily invested in digital. So what happened? The SL1200G is what happened. Not only is it (relatively) inexpensive, built like a swiss watch and has performance to match - but for the first time _ever_ I can easily change cartridges! The last time I had a "DJ DD TT" I was in college, and could barely afford ramen, much less more than one cart. And with my crazy sensitive tonearms of recent years, swapping carts was a nail biting project. Now it's a matter of minutes to adjust weight and VTA. *Game changer!*
Hi Had to go past the Lyra cartridges. I have an old Dorian on my Well Tempered AMADEUS . It just keeps going.
You are correct in saying how revealing they are.
Thanks! Jake is my son in law😊
I still think Steve's new speakers are just so cool looking.
Great job Steve! Many audiophiles who have your turntable change out the tonearm. I wondered what you thought of the Technics tonearm?
Thanks John, I might at some point change out the arm but I'm in no hurry. I just want to leave it stock, I did the arm changing thing with most of my other belt drive turntables. Everything makes a difference, but that doesn't mean you need to change everything.
Good and Green again is a stunning album. I cant get enough of it. Labeling this music is difficult, sounds kind of bluesy, country, Folky. Reading the notes I found out he gets his inspiration for lyrics from early American songs and poetry. Combined with his wonderful amplified guitar playing and the quality of recording makes it truly special.
Ivor Tiefenbrun: "Why are you selling all your records? You haven't heard what's on them yet."
I prefer a touch of sugar coating in my cartridges. I'm running a vintage NOS Sony XL55 MC at the moment and it is fantastic, musical (balanced / not overly analytical) and magical. Have you tried any quintet cartridges? I'd love to try a Koetsu or Kiseki one day. Lyras sound like they may go down the slightly drier analytical side which isn't my thing, but thanks for your as always amazing review Steve. 👍
My Delos after 7 years now needs replacing so will be buying a new one soon. Fantastic trade in deal £840 from £1395 GBP.
Steve, please review a Soundsmith cart! Preferably the Hyperion but any would be great. They're practically next door to you! Keep up the fantastic work, and moar carts plz ^_^
I love Analog Steve ! I Brought a Rotel 1592 MK11 Dac Amplifier Stero just wharfedale 4.4 Speakers , my analog -RCD-1572 MK11 CD PlayER I hooked up with Balanced XLR Inputs Sounds Unreal < My Turntable a Project X1 has a ortofon just a 2m Blue Cartridge ! Both on Analog & I aint going back to Digital anytime soon thanks for you for the videos Steve ! Cheers from OZ.
Very good review Steve. It would be interesting for you to delve into what causes the warm vinyl sound. Particularly as most modern recordings are digitally sourced. I do miss my Linn LP12 but am happy with my Innuos Zen. What would the studio listen to via the mixing desk? Is the vinyl sound more enjoyable than that? Is it a pleasant form of distortion? It would be interesting to explore this objectively. Thanks again.
Hi Steve watch your show on TH-cam a lot I am a audiophiliac and I was looking for a good cartridge moving coil but there are so many out there washed your peace and dilos MC cartridge I like the way it looks and your interview on it was great I have a VPI Prime signature in Rosewood. I think the price is great something. Thank you for your review be watching you again on TH-cam from Gennaro in Puerto Rico✌️
Thanks for watching Genaro!
System of the day..............great choice , great taste and great combination .......
Interesting…but I am staying digital. 😍
THANKS for all of the music! 👍🏼
I just got a Lyra Kleos and I am hearing what you are saying.
I've had a Delos for a few years. It has a really bold, clear and dynamic sound, it tracks in an uncanny way, as if it was being sucked into the groove (Lyra's asymmetric suspension?). Some people prefer moving magnet cartridges to moving coils, I think they should hear a Delos, it could be the MC that changes their minds.
I have heard very low output moving coil cartridges that have a lucid delicate quality that I don't find with the Delos, I would like to try one of Lyra's low output models, maybe they have the best of both worlds?
Same here, with over 90% of my daily listening being vinyl. I'll even say that my cd setup is pretty good. Vinyl makes my ears happier!
Tone arm lifter for the 1200G…I use a little fwend. It really is a night and day upgrade! I no longer have to jump to pick up the stylus from the end groove….
Just got mine, how did I live without it?
Got one, love it.
Never been a better time to listen to vinyl.
Time Has Come Today is a favorite of mine since I was a youngster in the 60's.
Love the technology and love the music ..audiophile..or audio enthusiast ..🤔
Jake is awesome. Saw him open for The Decemberists
Excellent 👌👌👌
U told me I wasn’t an audiophile because I like to be outdoors
It’s so sad because I really like music
Saw muse yesterday and have new order tickets
I wish I could be considered worthy of liking music
OK, you're worthy. Main thing is you're here watching my videos! Thanks!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I just got a pair of rel ht 12, it’s the last version but they were 450$. That’s my latest toy. Looking to buy BIG speakers next year for a finished downstairs. The PS audio are nice, I have auditioned magnapan 3.7, la scalla, pure audio quad 15…..
The viewer's system, he's using a Rocket bulb blower to rid the dust off the albums.
I highly recommend this and quit using the popular carbon brushes.
The brushes don't remove static as claimed, and leave fibers behind on the record.
Use a strong turntable light and you'll be astounded by how little good those brushes do.
A camel hair lens brush for stubborn dust and the Rocket blower work much better if you use a good wet cleaning system.
Yes analog does rule even if you're using CDs DVDs mini disc d a t or some other digital format where the sound is stored running it through analog equipment is just as good and wonderful prove this to myself 40 years ago the day I first bought my first CD in August of 1980 and that disc to prove how quiet and wonderfully crisp music could be was the first import version of Pink Floyd's meddle. Japanese EMI Black label quite expensive for the day but worth every second of sound played through at the time which were the pioneer HPM 900s four of them..
In the same price range is the Soundsmith Zepher Star MIMC I would appreciate a comparison of the same cartridges.
A lot of Lyra owners here and the Delos is a cartridge I used for a couple of years. Whilst I think it its does excel at speed, dynamics and detail I don't think it has the best tonal balance or body and weight to the music. A Benz Micro or Shelter will leave the Delos sounding somewhat anemic in the midrange, with orchestral music the Lyra lacks the necessary body and heft to be convincing. For those wanting the speed and detail I'd recommend Shelter cartridges which to my ears are like a more fleshed out Lyra, they're also at home with a wide range of musical genres.
last weekend i did a 5 or so hour dedicated vinyl listening session. and man did my budget audiophile system sound sweet. a modest pro-ject debut lll from 2004 with a nice ortofon OM 20 stylus and a few other tweaks.
Nice!
I run a debut lll with an Ortofon 10, I was worried that I wouldn’t get the best from a 20 with the fitted tone arm, unless you’ve upgraded yours I may have to look into getting one
@@pedge66 i went from a 5 to a 10 then a 20 . i have no way to know if am or not i just know i dig the sound. i have thought about going to a 30 but felt that would be a bit of overkill. my biggest issue is with albums that have dirt in the grooves that my brush and disc washer can't reach. i just don't have the inclination to get a disc washing machine. i wish someone would open a business that cleaned vinyl records. i was thinking of doing that but it's only a daydream.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac i put some time and research into my system. it has cambridge audio AZUR amp and CD player , PBS Image B25 monitors on stands ( and i have them trianglulated as best i can in my room) , with a Istreamer for my iPhone and streaming. it on a custom build sturdy wooden rack. the TT has the acrylic platter , a speed box, and a record weight. i did the best i could with the budget i had and have.and i keep my records in good shape and generally only buy minty used or new albums. i have always taken good care of my vinyl. my only issue is some records have dirt deep in the grooves that my brush or discwasher can't reach. i just don't have the inclination to buy a disc washing machine. have wondering why on one has a small disc washing business as part of their record shop etc.
@@malco49 thanks man, I'm really enjoying the 10 as well, have you tried the acrylic platter? I found it made a huge difference.
Try a product called deep track cleansing by vinyl clear from Amazon, you may have to do the process a couple of times but I've managed to save a few shameful examples
Steve comparison choices were always a little funky...
I remember a video comparing analog with digital sound. To draw conclusions he used his over $10,000 analog rig against a Brooklyn dac playing mqa lol.
At my local record shop, I always ask other customers about their systems. MOST have entry level components/speakers with MM cartridges AND they love the sound of vinyl on their system. I think that most of them love the warm sound of a MM cartridge and wouldn't like the sound of my high end system with a Lyra Kleos MC cartridge that is very revealing.
MM is not specifically a type of sound, warm as you say is just humbug. There are many great MM stylus' sounding just like any MC stylus'. MC stylus' has other advantages the MM doesn't have. MC lasts longer, but cost more when you finally need to swap them out after 1500+ hours. Other factor is the RIAA. Do you have an $5000 RIAA or a $1200 RIAA, etc. Even a $1200 one can't be compared to a cheap AV-Receiver Phono-pre. And I find the $1200 ones sounding bad.
I always have to hit the like even before watching......I just know it's going to be good.
Thanks!!
Lately, when someone on Facebook introduces a new album, I’ve asked if a vinyl version of the album is being offered.
it just feels better. That whats going on.
Your visit nudged me into getting all my vinyl out of the attic. Just listened to short sharp shocked by Michelle Shocked for first time in over 25 years. Sounded amazing, but now wondering around singing 'When I grow up I wanna be an old woman'. Embarrassing for a mid 50's male......
Hate auto correct....vid's and wandering
Steve, You are going back to your youth!
Mr. Pete------->
aging hippie
I collected about 300 vinyls in the last year. I have all the music services but the fidelity of the vinyl is higher but more so i do way more analytical and focused listening with vinyl where as i tune out with digital.
That's what I sometimes buy in one purchase
hey steve. can you please review the soundsmith carmen or any other soundsmith? tia.
Yeah, I have not played Poco Harem or CCR in a decade. I have listened to some Jan Ackerman though.
Trying to get used to the new posting time. Just not sure how I feel...
Im searching for an Upgrade for the Ortofon quintet bronze which is currently on my revox studiomaster t700, I wonder if it would be a good match
Clearaudio Maestro V2 where would that rate against this tempering the Clear Audio is a MM? Ta
I love Procel Hairum have you seen the video In Amsterdam also with an orchestra. It makes Live with the Edmunton
Symphony orchestra seem flat by comparison.
I'm not a great fan of vinyl. More bother and expense than worth, IMO. Back when I didn't have any worthwhile option other than reel-to-reel tape, I kept thinking there has to be something better than the surface noise, pops and clicks of vinyl.
Strange coincidence .........I allways go back to Procol Harum as one of the better experiences on vinyl...............especialy liked GRAND HOTEL ...........
whats the difference between delos and etna lambda ?
H Steve, believe the Delos need about 100 hours to run in before it smooths out! Would you agree?
What do you think about the Lyra Dorian cartridge ?
I expect to buy it for my Technics sl 1200gr...
Sorry, I never heard that cartridge so I can't comment. You can assume it sounds a lot like this one!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thank you for reply 👍
Does it remove the sound of pops and clicks?
Taking really good care of one's lps and getting better pressings removes the bulk of pops and clicks. I have both thirty-year old albums and newer audiophile reissues that are 99% or more without pops or clicks. But- most people don't take great care of their lps, and/or buy either crappier new pressings and/or beat-up older/poorly-cared for older ones. I'm fortunate in that I don't tend to listen to pop, it's primarily classical, jazz, classic rock, and world music, that all tend towards good pressings.
pops and clicks is debris in the grooves, most often directly from the fabric. Many of my brand new records has lots of it. After a proper wet-clean they usually vanish.
Also, a good MC stylus plays much better through these than MM, but since MC goes deeper into the grooves it also reveals more of it. BUT MC also paves the way through the grooves, so the more you play a record, the better it will sound - with the proper settings of course.
I think a slightly useful analogy to a preference for vinyl is the preference for 24 frames per second in video or in other words slower frame rates than technology is easily capable of. That frame rate was how people learned to see movies and is still preferred. Fewer frames, less information, most people prefer it. Maybe because they were trained to 24fps one might say?
As to vinyl I don't think it's less information, but it's more let's say smeared. More error I'd say. More error is better? I mean there might be good neurological reasons why but I'm guessing it's something learned. Which is not meant to dismiss the preference in any way. Which ever way is the most satisfying for you is the best way.
16 seconds in , my guess cartridge is great and only cost $600.00 plus :=) Damn I was Wrong ! It €1,573.14
Vs Hana ml?
There are LEVELS
I had no idea that in the US the brand is pushed by Shane.
Haa. You lost me when the $2K price was revealed.
Entry level for Lyra.
That's Lyra pricing for you!
How long will the needle of the cartridge last for best performance? And then?
Good question, it varies with factors including the condition of the records, how careful the owner was cueing the records, etc. In general you can expect between 1000 and 2000 hours of play before the stylus needs replacement. Replacement cost is typically half the price of the cartridge. So if you played vinyl for three hours a day that would add up to a year or two. But that's seven days a week, most people don't play music that much that frequently. So in the real world is probably three or four years.
Thx Steve, happy listening!
300-500 hours on MM, and 1500+ hours on MC. Rega won't let you change needle for instance, so you need to spend another $1000. I play at least 3 hours everyday, 7 days a week, so I use one MC stylus per year. Streamers will think we are lunatics and weirdos. Yes, we are.
The question is, do you still have good hearing range and dynamic range?
I wouldn’t have considered a cartridge at this price point with that turntable. Interesting. Either the Technics is punching waaay above its price, of the refinement from spending more is way more esoteric than I thought.
It’s a 4K turntable
I have a Lyra Kleos attached to my Technics SL1200 G, and it has no problems transferring the info from the grooves.
So it is! I hadn’t realized there was such a price jump for G from the other SL-1200 models. Makes sense now. Thanks.
What beats a Technics turntable rumble specifications? What beats a Technics turntable wow and flutter? Many old turntables have better specifications than the current high-dollar turntables. I have a nineteen ninety-eight Technics sl-1200 MK5 that I purchased for $450 in 2016. I doubt there's any turntables out there that have any huge or significant improvement over the rumble specifications.
Hi Steve, are you absolutely sure you're using the 'correct' loading for the Lyra? The reason I ask, the sound description you give smacks of high frequency boost. There should not be that much difference between the Lyra and Ortofon, the differences should be subtle!
If I may opine, over the last few months I've been going on line exploring cartridge reviews with measurements. Practically every cartridge I've read about has had some kind of deviation from flat frequency response. Some of those deviations were pretty severe--probably a result of the manufacturer going for a certain sound. The Lyra reviews I've seen showed their cartridges to be pretty much flat from 20 Hz to around 7 kHz. Then the frequency response starts to rise up hitting around +3 db at 10 kHz to +5 db at 15 kHz to +8 db at 20 kHz. That's how my Kleos measured in the German review I read. So, dead flat bass, midrange and low treble and a somewhat hot top end though the +8 db at 20 kHz is meaningless since most adults have lost that frequency (and more) by the age of 30.
The dynamics are as Steve stated in his review. Lyras are pretty good trackers too--especially considering the 1.75 gram tracking force.
Hey Steve - curious about the quality of your older vinyl - is it all NM or do you revel in the snap crackle and pop? Also, remember, there’s a word for the way ccr “just moves, just cranks out…” they choogle!! Thanks for the great review!
My old records are in pretty decent shape, but I can't say they're dead quiet. Folks who were upset by snap, crackle, or pop moved on to digital a long time ago. And that's fine, we are each on our own journey.
I have both MC & MM cartridges. I find the MC cartridges have a little more on the top end. I only use the MC cartridges on my Audiophile records so I don't wear them out. The biggest negative about MC cartridges is that they do not have replaceable stylus. Once they wear out, it's done! I can't believe people buy 2k $ & up cartridges only to throw them away a couple of years later. Too rich for me!!
Not sure where you got that idea, every moving coil cartridge I know can be re-tipped by the manufacturer. That cost is usually half the price of the cartridge. In the case of this one, the man who put the cartridge together is the one that re tips the stylus.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Was not aware of this. Never seen a video of retipping cartridges. Thanks for that info!
@Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac And when my Delos wears out, I'm getting it retipped.
Hmmm I wonder how it compares to Hana carts.
Very different, Hana is on the warmer side, Delos ultra dynamic and refined
if you want real good recordings, go with Rudy Van Gelder. The best record engineer ever.
WHAT!!!??? An actual spec sheet? Shows compliance?? It can’t be!!! There is nothing in the spec sheet that talks about ‘wispiness and airy’ or the ‘fullness of the bottom registers which… well… I believe we can all agree… takes one’s breath away’. I’ll see my banker on Monday and hope he’ll forward me a wheelbarrow of money for the purchase. 😂
Steve, is it just me, or do you have an affinity for MC cartridges? 🤔I’ll have to watch this video to see if you comment on the MC vs. MM cartridge sound..😉
I prefer MC carts, but I'm a huge fan of Grado carts.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Ok, great, so I have to ask.. is it that the cartridges are very expensive, or would you still always prefer a MC over a MM if they were, say both $500? If MC is always the clear winner for you, does it have to
do with preamp considerations, or something unique to the cartridge design? Thanks.
PS) I would actually like it if you did more videos where you talked about things like this. I know it would be abstract and opinionated, but it’s still interesting.. sometimes my own opinions are regulated by my spending power lol
Edits: errors in syntax from voice recognition.
What about the Clearaudio Charisma V2.1 MM which retails for $2,200; most MM stages have a far better S/N ratio; moving coil cartridge, the noise level is much higher.
@@mahasidha9 I’m glad you touched on this .. actually one of the reasons why I was probing Steve in the first place, because the moving coil cartridge output is typically low enough that the preamp definitely needs more gain and lower noise figure with a higher CMRR that I just didn’t see it as a cost-effective alternative, but I’m not a subject matter expert.
Steve; you forgot to compare it to the other cartridge 😮
I compared the Delos with a Dynavector XX2 and Ortofon Cadenza Blue
More sounds snd detail is not mesn more music.Music in cartridge msgnetic system construction
The cartridge looks like the mouth of a mosquito under microscope 😊
More vinyl less digital? Oh, you're returning to the womb? The slow regression back to the time before one was. Pretty normal for someone who is old enough to see the other side.
Was existence in the womb analogue? Now that IS a question!
That cartridge with tape/Bandaid (whatever) reminds me of Norman Gunston: th-cam.com/video/A2lkhueyTBA/w-d-xo.html
Nice cartridge, I just can’t stand that sort of band-aid close to the stylus.
My thought too and what about those solder blobs?
Steve I’m playing my 40 + year old Akai turntable with a newish Audio Technica 91e cart and the sound is amazing! My vinyl is in good condition I think that’s the key ! I just can’t justify spending thousands on new gear when it sounds this good!
@@djzoloft To Lyra's credit, they aren't solder blobs, look like some sort of sferic covers...
Am I the only one who would like the $ price $ to be mentioned within the first 30 seconds, so I can decide whether it's within my budget straight up instead of hearing about how fantastic the product is then discovering its 16k? 😝
So no chesky download?
Yes the download link is in the description below the video.
So what I am hearing you saying is the cartridge your testing is overly bright and edgy and as your speakers don't produce the bottom one and half octaves your not able to hear what the XX-2 is all about. That is producing the fundamentals where music begins and the higher frequencies of music are built upon.
If I can get my cd player up about 40% in sound quality, I am going to feel like laughing at all who say vinyl is superior. 40% more mind you, and I am going into hysterical laughter. Will I figure out a way to get 40% better sound quality when playing cds? I don't rightly know, but I will be laughing. A cd spray which improves reflectivity of the silver is said to give 10% more sound quality. Another product combats static electricity in and around the components; another 10%. There is a cd mat you place on a cd before playing; another 10%. I'll need to use my creativity to get that last 10%, but I think I can do it, since over the years I've done mods that added up to 180% improvement. I am plum out of ideas right now, but I feel confident one will be eventually forthcoming. Oh yeah, my cd playback is 15% behind vinyl playback now, for sound quality. 40% will take me 25% above vinyl as far as cd playback sound quality. That's enough difference that it is unmistakably better.