Cartridge experts wanted.

[loveoscar]

I have a Lyra Helikon which must be coming to the end of its life, although its still sounding excellent. I have used MC carts since 1987, on a previously owned LP12, 1st up was a used Karma, then new Asaka, followed by a Lyra Clavis and finally the Helikon. I really like the sound of Lyra cartridges but when the time comes to change my funds will not stretch to a new Lyra. What then should I keep my eye out for in the coming months, new or 2nd hand upto £500 but preferably cheaper. With a smaller budget will I have to go with a MM, and I have seen the 2m black advertised on this site but have never heard one. My tt is a PT too with an AO upgraded arm which I have no plans of upgrading further.

[walpurgis]

If you are keen on the Lyra sound, why not have a new diamond tip fitted. It will cost less than a new cartidge.

[Audio Al]

I have a Lyra Helikon which must be coming to the end of its life,
If it sounding great how do you know its comping to the end of its life :scratch:

[petrat]

Talk to these people about getting it checked, and re-furbished if needed.
http://www.northwestanalogue.com/cartridge-repairs.html

Or, ask about a trade-in against the Dorian listed there.
http://www.northwestanalogue.com/new-cartridges.html

[Clifford.T Ward]

Yes there are some excellent places that will re=tip and rebuild the mountings for a reasonable price then you can go on enjoying the cartridge .

[walpurgis]

Here are more repairers:


http://www.goldring.co.uk/cartridge-repair.htm

https://www.schallplattennadeln.de/

http://www.vandenhul.com/products/phono

http://www.sound-smith.com/index.php

http://www.78tours.com/Expert_Stylus_Company.html

I'd ask them each for a quote though. Prices may vary a lot.

Goldring have developed a good reputation for their retipping service for other makes.

There are often choices in diamond tip types, so an upgrade on the original could be possible.

[hifi_dave]

You can p/x your Lyra against a new Lyra and get a 25% discount and a little extra from Radlett.

As an alternative, consider the great value Hana range.

[Clive197]

The Ortofon 2M Black is one of the very best MM cartridges available BUT it does not have the smoothness of a MC. As you have been using MC cartridges for nearly 30 years I think you will disappointed with a MM, even a great one like the 2M.

2 cartridges I would recommend you try which are within your budget are the Audio Technica AT33PTG/II and the Hana SL. I own both of these cartridges and find them both to come very very close to my Ortofon Cadenza Black which is 3 times more expensive than the Hana. Other members on here have also had great results with the 2 models I've mentioned.

I've no experience with the Lyra but over the years have heard nothing but praise for them. Unfortunately having a cartridge re-tipped unless done by the original maker often ends in disappointment as has been mentioned on many posts here.

Good luck with your search.

[macvisual]

If you enjoy the Lyra sound stay with it, have you heard a Lyra Lydian at all? Or for your budget you could easily afford a used Len Gregory Music Maker 3 cartridge which is a moving iron.

[loveoscar]

Thanks for the mods moving my post, beginners cock up. Firstly I never thought about having it re tipped, got to be a good idea. Al, I was thinking its getting quite old now, unfortunately I have no idea how many hours are on it but it's quite a few. That interesting about MMs Clive, guess I'll try and stay with MC's. Sorry Macvisual never heard the Lydian or a Music Maker cart. Thanks for everyone's replies so far, all points noted for future reference.

[walpurgis]

I know MMs have their fans, but in my view, the only real modern alternative to a good MC is a Decca.

[sq225917]

David at Goldring was trained by Scantech (Lyra) so he would appear to be the obvious choice. He was the Linn service agent for a decade or more. I'd have him look at it and retip, re-canti- rewind as you see fit.

[loveoscar]

Thanks for that sq225917, retip seems to be the way to go although I might be interested in one of those Hana carts since Dave is not too far away from me.

[Ali Tait]

Worth having a listen, a lot of folk rate them at the price.

[paulf-2007]

I would like a pound for every cart I've seen for sale after a retip. I would avoid north west analogue when it comes to messing about with carts, I've heard some horror stories.

[ianlenco]

Apart from the long wait Expert Stylus do a very good job at retipping/servicing. No website but you can contact them by email. Basically you make contact and they give you a slot probably 6 months hence then contact you to send in your cartridge. It's a long time since I had one done but I had a Zu Denon done with a sapphire cantilever and paratrace tip and I think it cost around £300. My brother had his Kontrapunkt B done as was delighted with the results. If you can't wait and want a new cartridge then for less than your £500 budget I'd recommend the Zyx R50 Bloom. Not as bright as your Lyra but beautifully balanced with a delicate top end and plenty of welly down below.

Expert Stylus Company
Omega house
50 Harriotts Lane
Ashtead
Surrey
KT21 2QB
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1372 276604
Fax: +44 (0) 1372 276147
Email: info@expertstylus.co.uk

Good luck in your hunt

[atomheartmother]

I had my lyra lydian retipped wby a guy in the netherlands recommended on pfm, he retipped with a scantech cantiler and diamond. I was really pleased with the results, was fairly reasonable a year or so ago when the euro was not as strong. Pm if youre interested and ill dig out his details. Three week turnaround too

[hifi_dave]

The Zyx range has been completely re-vamped. For instance, the least expensive model, the R50 Bloom is now R50 Bloom 3 and retails for £800.

[walpurgis]

The Zyx range has been completely re-vamped. For instance, the least expensive model, the R50 Bloom is now R50 Bloom 3 and retails for £800.

Blimey. Double the price (or near enough) of the old one. Stock of current models will disappear quick I reckon.

That'll put the values of used examples up. I'm selling my R50 Bloom and the R100 Yatra soon. Maybe I'll get decent prices.