Cartridge suggestions please!

[TheBaz]

Hi guys, I'm soon going to need a new cart to replace my twice re-tipped and worn out Lyra Clavis Da Capo. Carts I'm thinking about include the Lyra Delos or Kleos, Cadenza Blue/Bronze/Black.

I have a preference for rock/heavy metal so I'd like something that is not overly warm sounding as I like a fast and dynamic sound. Then again, as a lot of my albums are poorly recorded anything too revealing might not be a good idea. I have a VTL 5.5 series 2 valve preamp with on board phono stage, and a rather old Boulder 500ae power amp.

Any suggestions or thoughts regarding a suitable cartridge, TT is an Avid Acutus with a SME IV arm...

[hifi_dave]

I'd definitely go for another Lyra. Not only are they fast and dynamic but you get 20% discount by trading in your old one.

[Clive197]

I'm on my second Ortofon Cadenza. 1st was the Cadenza Bronze and then upgraded to the Black. I've always loved Ortofon cartridges and have no experience of the Lyra, Delos or Kleos but Dave's suggestion is probably a good plan if budget is an issue as that 20% discount sounds good.

[allthingsanalogue]

Just bought a Delos. Superb, really punchy and dynamic, not soft in anyway.

Can not recommend highly enough.

[TheBaz]

Hi Guys

Many thanks for replies! Do you know if there is a long waiting time for Lyra's as one of them would be my first choice?

Also, is the cantelever longer in newer ones as with the Clavis I had to elevate the rear of the tonearm to allow the tonearm to clear the platter?

[TheBaz]

I'm on my second Ortofon Cadenza. 1st was the Cadenza Bronze and then upgraded to the Black. I've always loved Ortofon cartridges and have no experience of the Lyra, Delos or Kleos but Dave's suggestion is probably a good plan if budget is an issue as that 20% discount sounds good.

Hi Clive,

Many thanks for reply. Did you notice much difference between the Bronze and the Black? The Bronze gets a lot of good reviews, but I've seen a couple of posts where it is suggested that the Black is 'ultra detailed' and can expose a poor recording (of which I have 100's) whereas the Bronze is more forgiving.

Many thanks for your help. Making a decision on a new Cart is a difficult process becuase whatever I go for will have to last me for ages!!!!

[Clive197]

Hi Clive,

Many thanks for reply. Did you notice much difference between the Bronze and the Black? The Bronze gets a lot of good reviews, but I've seen a couple of posts where it is suggested that the Black is 'ultra detailed' and can expose a poor recording (of which I have 100's) whereas the Bronze is more forgiving.

Many thanks for your help. Making a decision on a new Cart is a difficult process becuase whatever I go for will have to last me for ages!!!!

Hi Baz

I found the Black a solid improvement over the Bronze. Certainly more detail and surprisingly less surface noise. Both cartridges can reveal poor recordings and if that is an issue than then maybe a less detailed range of cartridges maybe worthwhile. The Bronze is a warmer sound but no less forgiving of poor recordings.

The Bronze is now very difficult to get hold of as has been mentioned on a previous thread. I have spoken to my contact at Henly Designs and he told me that Ortofon have discontinued it at least for the time being.

[hifi_dave]

I, sometimes, have Delos and Kleos in stock but if not, they are usually just a couple of days away. Same for p/x Lyra.

[ChrisKemp]

You should check out London Decca Jubilee

[stevied]

Lyra Delos just replaced my Dynavector XX2 its Very good!