Lyra Etna, Miyajima Labs Madake or....?
- Thread starter Barry
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It is the flagship of the Company's , sensitivesound.com VIOLET T-8.
I did not hear him, but order another level, INDIGO Y-12 MC.
I compare three pickups:
Koetsu Black MC, Transfiguration Spirit MC, Sensitive Sound INDIGO Y-12 MC.
Soon there will be a photo!
I did not hear him, but order another level, INDIGO Y-12 MC.
I compare three pickups:
Koetsu Black MC, Transfiguration Spirit MC, Sensitive Sound INDIGO Y-12 MC.
Soon there will be a photo!
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That is interesting. Jfrech and Albert Porter also just recently sold their Atlas cartridges. I think there is a move toward a more balanced sound, one with sufficient speed and detail but also a beautiful portrayal of harmonics, and rich, warm midrange, and good weight and body. Extension and resolution are also important. A well balanced cartridge should have many fine characteristics but should not over emphasize one at the expense of another.
Wow, that must have been fun. Could you describe the system, music and your observations about the differences between these three?
sounds like a description of the Ortofon MC Anna. it walks that balance spectacularly to my ears. needs a low noise high output phono stage and micro-dynamic capable system.
So I have read. I would like to hear an Ortofon Anna. It is described like what I hear with the AirTight Supreme/MSL Signature Gold, but at a lower price. Mike, what other cartridges did you listen to when choosing the Anna? If I recall, you had A90s on those Durand arms and a mono cartridge. Does Jtinn represent other high end MC cartridges besides Ortofon?
I did not have other competitive cartridges in the same system at the same time with the Anna. but over a few years I've heard them all and also had pretty specific feedback from a few Anna users who see all the top ones. even guys who set up a number of arms in multiple systems.
I'm not in the market for a different cartridge. it gives my Studers all they can handle. the Anna is there with the other top choices.
I know Jonathan does sell other brands; not sure all the different ones he handles.
Thanks Peter, glad hear you.
When I listened cartridges one by one then the sound seemed to be on top!
But I found another method of comparing cartridges.
On the LP record I put two or three arm at a time, and surfing!
It was a hard decision. I've owned 4 Lyra's (lydian b, Helicon, Skala, and the Atlas). I'm sure I'll get another one day. The Atlas is arguably one of the very best. That said, there is something about the Allaerts MC2 Finish that keeps drawing me in. It's very even handed everywhere, you just don't notice it until you realize you just blew through 3-4 hours listening to vinyl...
I heard that same demo a number of times and I agree with Barry. To me the Madake just had more "body" in comparison. Maybe I was just hearing what I wanted to hear since I own a Madake, but I don't think so. BTW, I have it mounted on a Teres Illius arm, which I believe is the best arm no one has ever heard of. A Transrotor Rondino completes the analog setup. I used to be a serial swapper of all three--TT, arm and cartridge. No more. I believe I am now source-limited.
Since I am considering buying an Etna, this thread was helpful and thanks to Barry for starting it. I am presently using a Skala and consider it excellent, but after five years a change might be necessary. In choosing a new cartridge it might be mentioned that Lyra offers a generous allowance for anyone trading up the ladder from their products. While the economics shouldn't be the sole criterion, all things equal it should be an important factor in my opinion.
I recently upgraded from an Etna to an Etna SL. The process took nearly a year. I have also acquired a spanking new Miyajima Madake. The Etna SL and the Madake have less than 10 hours on them. I loved the Etna but I have no hesitation in saying the Etna SL is probably among the finest carts available today. As a former Skala owner the Etna SL has my highest recommendation
As for the Madake, it's a very different creature. Lovely,delicious and the champion of winds and strings.
Hope this helps
Pradeep
Hi Sunnyboy - Your enthusiasm is evident and appreciated but it would help to have more specifics on how the Etna improves upon the Skala which I have had for about 5 years and enjoy unfailingly. I have almost decided to upgrade to the Etna but wonder how the upgrade would work regarding a cartridge that is excellent to my ear. My main source is CD but I acknowledge the superiority of the SME/Skala combination. How will the Etna be even better? I have already listened to it at the dealer and will do so again before I give up the white beauty. The SL is another step which I'll look into.
Hi Shane
It's almost like the difference between HDTV and 4k UHD....seriously it's that good
Pradeep
Hi, hope all is going well ! Are you using the Etna SL with your Nagra VPS stand alone? Any gain issues? I assume you have the solid state gain stage engaged...
Cascals
IIRC the Skala was about USD 5k when it was last available. The Etna is almost 2x. Off course , price is not always a true determinant of quality but with Lyra (I have owned 7 Lyra models ) there is a clear corelation between price/performance. JC's designs have evolved enormously since the Helikon, Skala etc
I can think of no parameter in which the Etna is not superior to the Skala but these are all my opinions in the context of my system, my listening priorities and my room. If your dealer has an Etna than why not take along your Skala and do a A/B demo.
NJoy
IIRC the Skala was about USD 5k when it was last available. The Etna is almost 2x. Off course , price is not always a true determinant of quality but with Lyra (I have owned 7 Lyra models ) there is a clear corelation between price/performance. JC's designs have evolved enormously since the Helikon, Skala etc
I can think of no parameter in which the Etna is not superior to the Skala but these are all my opinions in the context of my system, my listening priorities and my room. If your dealer has an Etna than why not take along your Skala and do a A/B demo.
NJoy
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