Lyra Etna and Airtight Opus 1? Is it different enough?

[joey_v]

I am wondering…

would having an AT Opus 1 be different enough from a Lyra Etna? I have the Etna but I’m looking to add to my collection. I would run both simultaneously.

the other thought was a Koetsu Jade as an anti Lyra cart.

Thoughts?

thx

 

[Audire]

Airtight Opus 1 is a game changer, it’s my favorite cart!

 

[joey_v]

But is it different enough as a secondary to a well loved Lyra Etna?

I have Magico m2 btw
I followed your journey to the m3

 

[Audire]

But is it different enough as a secondary to a well loved Lyra Etna?

I have Magico m2 btw
I followed your journey to the m3

I have a MSL Platinum Signature as my second cart! But different systems perform differently. I have a Vitus Masterpiece Phono stage ordered. So, I may change carts at that time.

 

[joey_v]

I have a MSL Platinum Signature as my second cart! But different systems perform differently. I have a Vitus Masterpiece Phono stage ordered. So, I may change carts at that time.

Does the plat and opus sound similar or notably different? Made by same gentleman

 

[Audire]

Does the plat and opus sound similar or notably different? Made by same gentleman

Though MSL makes the Opus, the Opus IMO sounds better and thus different on our system. The Opus is very three-dimensional in its sound. It’s neutral. The tremble isn’t aggressive.there’s just a life like smoothness to the sound. The bass is stunning.

The MSL does all the above well and it is pleasing to listen to, but the Opus does them exceptionally IMO. I use the MSL for rock music and the Opus mostly for Blue Note, etc.

 

[bazelio]

I don't think the Etna and Opus 1 sound similar. I own and prefer the Opus 1, but I was able to demo an Etna (though a Lambda SL version).

 

[Ron Resnick]

I don't think the Etna and Opus 1 sound similar. I own and prefer the Opus 1, but I was able to demo an Etna (though a Lambda SL version).

I agree. But prior to the Lambda generation I do think the Etna was the least Lyra-like with the least analytical Lyra house sound.

I, personally, much prefer the Opus 1 to any pre-Lambda Lyra I have ever heard.

So many people loved the Lyra Atlas (including Michael Fremer) but it seems to me that the evolution to Lambda was a Lyra corporate acknowledgment that the Lyra Atlas was lean and analytical (if very resolving and transparent).

 

[mtemur]

Normally you should like AIr Tight Opus 1 more than Etna. If you try and still prefer Etna over Opus 1 then you should look where the problem lies. Koetsu is a different story. IMHO Koetsu is opposite of Lyra. BTW Opus 1 is more neutral and better than both.

 

[gestalt]

I have a MSL Platinum Signature as my second cart! But different systems perform differently. I have a Vitus Masterpiece Phono stage ordered. So, I may change carts at that time.

Ask Tony about a Fuuga.

 

[bazelio]

I agree. But prior to the Lambda generation I do think the Etna was the least Lyra-like with the least analytical Lyra house sound.

Within the Lambda line, what is your assessment of Etna and Atlas, if you've had the opportunity to hear them?

 

[Ron Resnick]

Within the Lambda line, what is your assessment of Etna and Atlas, if you've had the opportunity to hear them?

I have no experience with any Lambda. I know only that I have never heard a Lyra Atlas I have cared for.

I have a fair amount of experience listening to an Etna on a friend's system (on a Kuzma 4Point on a Stabi M) and I never would have suspected it was a Lyra cartridge.

 

[joey_v]

The Lyra and Airtight seem to be different enough in built (naked housing vs bodied) that perhaps it will give me a good enough variance between the two without having to go Koetsu for the 2nd cart.

Maybe a Koetsu for the 3rd someday then.

 

[Johan K]

The Lyra and Airtight seem to be different enough in built (naked housing vs bodied) that perhaps it will give me a good enough variance between the two without having to go Koetsu for the 2nd cart.

Maybe a Koetsu for the 3rd someday then.

The Opus is more like Koetsu then Lyra vs Koetsu. I’d say the Opus just the opposite to Lyra. So YES, you can definitely go with an Opus as a secondary cart to Lyra, because they will perform completely diffrent to your records. It will be a very good compliment to one and other.

/ Jk

 

[bonzo75]

The Opus is much better than the Etna, but the lamda versions of Lyra are good. The atlas lambda is excellent.

Koetsu is just overpriced poor but if you are listening to amplified music and not classical you will be fine

 

[joey_v]

Thx all

 

[Lee]

I can only speak to my Lyra Etna Lambda experience but it’s been remarkable. Not too analytical but very resolving. A touch of warmth. It’s quite a cartridge! The bass is really special imho.

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

Has anybody done a direct comparison between the Lyra Etna Lambda with the Lyra Etna Lambda SL ?

And if so, any reasonable / respectable differences between the two ?

 

[Phantom-Audio]

How about Top Wing?

 

[joey_v]

It's been 6 months since I've had the Opus installed on my second table.

And I can say, it's been a joy having 2 carts. I would say the Lyra Etna definitely sounds different compared to the Opus. The Opus was a great choice for a 2nd vinyl option.

Thank you all!