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.
Congratulations Joey, to the Opus-1! Great choice! I have the Opus-1 myself and is very satisfied with it. I have tried several Lyras in my system, and some of them didn’t sound right here, due to (at first) lack of know-how during setup. However, after some crazy nerdy study - the latter ones I’ve had here have been sounding really really good. So I’m definitely planning for an Atlas in the future !
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.
What fraction of your record playing time would you estimate you use the Lyra, and what fraction of your record playing time would you estimate you use the Opus?
I recently chose two new stereo cartridges. A Lyra Etna Lambda and Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux.
They turned out as I expected to be excellent competitors because of equal but different strengths and no weaknesses that these ears recognize. And these two are different enough, that I do not regret, having both in my arsenal. Sometimes, depending upon a given recording one will flush out a little more of a character mood from a performance. Where the Etna has a very clean and decisive punctuation and presents very linear and balanced, the Bordeaux leans in with a bit more lush midrange bloom, and sweetness in the upper registers. But mind you, I am splitting hairs. Neither lacks what the other has as a strength, but it just may present with a bit less emphasis in these regards. These are all subtle complex nuances. More a seasoning than a specific flavor, more a shading in contrast rather than a different hue.
Couldn’t even imagine giving one up for the other. Both exceptional. Best I’ve ever had.
Joey,
Happy for you on the second cartridge. I’m asuming you are still running the VPI Avenger. What is the second TT and tonearm might I ask?
Hope you are having a great New Year.
Best
Al
For my resent set-up, the Etna Lambda is on a 10” Graham Phantom III and the Bordeaux is on a Reed P3 12”. With the tonearms I have presently available these seem best suited.
The reason why I ask, is, I believe it gives some perspective to how the cartridge performs. I’m always curious to what combinations other listeners are choosing.
For my resent set-up, the Etna Lambda is on a 10” Graham Phantom III and the Bordeaux is on a Reed P3 12”. With the tonearms I have presently available these seem best suited.
The reason why I ask, is, I believe it gives some perspective to how the cartridge performs. I’m always curious to what combinations other listeners are choosing.
I recently chose two new stereo cartridges. A Lyra Etna Lambda and Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux.
They turned out as I expected to be excellent competitors because of equal but different strengths and no weaknesses that these ears recognize. And these two are different enough, that I do not regret, having both in my arsenal. Sometimes, depending upon a given recording one will flush out a little more of a character mood from a performance. Where the Etna has a very clean and decisive punctuation and presents very linear and balanced, the Bordeaux leans in with a bit more lush midrange bloom, and sweetness in the upper registers. But mind you, I am splitting hairs. Neither lacks what the other has as a strength, but it just may present with a bit less emphasis in these regards. These are all subtle complex nuances. More a seasoning than a specific flavor, more a shading in contrast rather than a different hue.
Couldn’t even imagine giving one up for the other. Both exceptional. Best I’ve ever had.
Since you have the experience of the two and liked them, I would say if one day you want to have some softer, more romantic, soothing and tasteful magic, I highly recommend Miyajima Destiny.
!
