Lyra Argo

There is an alternative. Ortofon SPU Royal N.

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Originally posted by Patrick Dixon:
But Dev, have you _heard_ the Argo?

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Patrick, I have heard the Helikon & the Helikon SL, Clearaudio Accurate, owned the Dynavector XX2, Linn Arkiv B, Linn Troika, Linn Karma, Dynavector 17D2 Mk1. I think I have some sort of handle on the Lyra sound, and it isn't exactly to my taste, being quite bright, very clear, very good at information retreival, etc, etc, but tonally not really even handed for my liking, but might suit other systems & rooms better.

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Originally posted by Dev B:

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Originally posted by Patrick Dixon:
But Dev, have you _heard_ the Argo?

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Patrick, I have heard the Helikon & the Helikon SL, Clearaudio Accurate, owned the Dynavector XX2, Linn Arkiv B, Linn Troika, Linn Karma, Dynavector 17D2 Mk1. I think I have some sort of handle on the Lyra sound, and it isn't exactly to my taste, being quite bright, very clear, very good at information retreival, etc, etc, but tonally not really even handed for my liking, but might suit other systems & rooms better.

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Hy Dev B.
Is it true thatlyra sound is similar to akiva and that linn cartridges are made by lyra.? O.J.

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Originally posted by Patrick Dixon:

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I think I have some sort of handle on the Lyra sound, and it isn't exactly to my taste,

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Sure, but the question asked was:

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(Lyra Argo) Anyone tried it?

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Patrick, you are being being anal But I like it!

Problem is, I have an LP12, which I'm desparately trying to find a replacement for (something less fiddly), but I need a cartridge to replace the broken XX+ in the meantime... sounds like the Argo is quite bright, maybe too much so for some turntables. So maybe I need to choose the turntable first... which is not so easy out in Geneva - nowhere to demo them.

So, choices are DPS, Rega P9, or anything else with a max cost incl or excl arm of circa 3k (I have an Aro that I could use, but i'd prefer something with a lift mechanism)... definately not a Giro though (hate the looks)... any suggestions??

Christopher,

if you decide to sell the Aro, drop me a mail.

Markus

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Originally posted by Christopher:
So, choices are DPS, Rega P9, or anything else with a max cost incl or excl arm of circa 3k (I have an Aro that I could use, but i'd prefer something with a lift mechanism)... definately not a Giro though (hate the looks)... any suggestions??

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If I were in that position, I'd be looking very closely at a Xerxes X. Aro is rumoured to work well with it.

Best;

Mark

Is the Argo bright? I've not heard one. However I believe the designer has said it was designed to be more forgiving that the Helikon (which itself was reputed to be warmer that prior Lyras).

--Eric

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Originally posted by Eric Barry:
Is the Argo bright? I've not heard one. However I believe the designer has said it was designed to be more forgiving that the Helikon (which itself was reputed to be warmer that prior Lyras).

--Eric

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I haven't heard the Argo so I can't comment on that, but I would say the Helikon is on the bright side of clear if you know what I mean.

My main beef with these catrirdges and to an extent with teh Dynavectors is the bass, or the way the bass is done, it is low but without sufficient warmth or power.

Weirdly enough the Arkiv B I had was awesome in the bass, but the Ortofon SPU Royal N is awesomer still.

Look, I really don't know what I am talking about, but I know what I like (if you know what I mean)

regards

Dev

No rumor on the Aro working brilliantly on a Xerxes X. I owned a Xerxes X/Aro combo for a while, and it is terrific! Leaner and a bit brighter sounding than an LP12, it sounds more "accurate" in the bass if you know what I mean.

If you want a less fiddly table than an LP12, the Xerxes X would work very well.

Have not heard the Argo.

Bob

Bob

Why did you part with it... something better?

I actually don't like the Aro, purely from a handling point of view. Also my girlfriend won't go near it for fear of wrecking it and / or records... so a nornal arm with lift mechanism is looking likely.

Christopher--

I went back to an LP12. I just felt like the Xerxes X (and the P9) lacked some soul and warmth relative to the LP12.

If you'd like more detail feel free to email me at robertedwards@qwest.net or send a PM.

Best,

Bob

Dev, have you noticed that you own speakers (SBLs) that many claim lack warmth and power in the bass. Meanwhile your recent equipment choices have been towards greater warmth and power (at least by reputation). That's rhetorical, I know you have. I think you are one of the most reliable listeners in internet-land, but I always wonder if your preferred equipment will match well with my Spendors. The SPU you recommend is intriguing to me, but I wonder if the bass would be too warm.

--Eric

Ross (& Eric),

Thanks for your comments.

Ross, I am not sure how the SPU Royal N will work with the Ekos, it's a heavy beastie. In my observations about the Lyra I think I concur with you I noted a certain leaness or lack of power in the bottom end. Weirdly enough, I felt that the Arkiv B (which I assumed is a "tuned for Linn" Lydian) was much better than the Helikon in this regard. However the Arkiv B is certainly a bit rough and ready at the top and not as refined as the Lyras. Bright is a probably the wrong word, but a lack of even handed balance is probably better.

regards

Dev

ps. Eric what Spendors do you own?

Dev,

I have S100s.

--Eric

Sorry to be a little off topic, but speaking of carts, does someone have or have heard the Cartridge Man Music Maker?
Does had very good reviews in both Listener and Hifi+, and would fit the Aro.

Thanks
JM

seriously considering the P9, but i seem to recall reports of these running fast... any truth in that? how important is it to have speed adjustability of a turntable... surely as belts wear etc the turntable speed will alter from 33rpm? hence the need for some kind of trimming to keep it in check?