Looking for phono cartridge similar but better than VM540ML

[Decibel_116]

I didn't find my MP500 to be better than even a VM95E. Warm, bloated, and undynamic. Yes, I was using it on a 18gm headshell in a 14gm arm.

AT's the way to go for MM nowadays.

Intesting. I found the MP500 to have a kind of midrange honkiness to it. Otherwise it is OK. I have tried different headshells. Only small differences noted. The character remained the same. Result is that I don't run it very often.

 

[vinyldavid]

Intesting. I found the MP500 to have a kind of midrange honkiness to it. Otherwise it is OK. I have tried different headshells. Only small differences noted. The character remained the same. Result is that I don't run it very often.

I sold mine, and haven't heard from the new owner to know if they like it or not. After getting a Lyra Kleos, I've found that a lot of my upper-mid level carts just don't have a room at the inn anymore. I've sold a dozen this year, and likely should do the same again before the year is out.

 

[Decibel_116]

I sold mine, and haven't heard from the new owner to know if they like it or not. After getting a Lyra Kleos, I've found that a lot of my upper-mid level carts just don't have a room at the inn anymore. I've sold a dozen this year, and likely should do the same again before the year is out.

I have always wondered about the Lyra cartridges. I purchased a Transiguration Temper V and Phoenix S a while back while they were still available. Once these are well-worn, I may give one of the Lyras a try. What are the qualities you like in your Kleos?

 

[vinyldavid]

I have always wondered about the Lyra cartridges. I purchased a Transiguration Temper V and Phoenix S a while back while they were still available. Once these are well-worn, I may give one of the Lyras a try. What are the qualities you like in your Kleos?

I heard a Transfiguration Temper I remounted on a SME Model 20 in a couple systems when I worked at a repair shop. Loved it, but didn't get more than a few minutes audition. I have a standing offer on the whole system it's in and hope to get it someday (and the Dunlavy SC-VIs it eventually sings through).

The Lyra is, in a word....clean. It's clean, dynamic, extended, and leaves no stone unturned. I would be happy to link you to a dropbox folder containing 4 24/88.2 wav files I made with my Kleos on a SP-10mk2/SME 312/SPL Phonos feeding a Lynx Hilo, if you'd like to take a listen! The first time I heard a Lyra, a Delos, the cheapest model, I was immediately sure I had to own one....it was just that good. My Kleos was retipped with a 2.5/75 Ogura by Joseph Long, the stock diamond is a 3/75, which is a Lyra exclusive. Perhaps you may also consider sending your Transfigurations to Mr. Long.

 

[Decibel_116]

I heard a Transfiguration Temper I remounted on a SME Model 20 in a couple systems when I worked at a repair shop. Loved it, but didn't get more than a few minutes audition. I have a standing offer on the whole system it's in and hope to get it someday (and the Dunlavy SC-VIs it eventually sings through).

The Lyra is, in a word....clean. It's clean, dynamic, extended, and leaves no stone unturned. I would be happy to link you to a dropbox folder containing 4 24/88.2 wav files I made with my Kleos on a SP-10mk2/SME 312/SPL Phonos feeding a Lynx Hilo, if you'd like to take a listen! The first time I heard a Lyra, a Delos, the cheapest model, I was immediately sure I had to own one....it was just that good. My Kleos was retipped with a 2.5/75 Ogura by Joseph Long, the stock diamond is a 3/75, which is a Lyra exclusive. Perhaps you may also consider sending your Transfigurations to Mr. Long.

I would interested in hearing the needle drops with the Lyra cartridge for sure! Thanks!

 

[tabarddn51]

You will certainly need to spend very big $ to go past the MH or MP-500, I mean $2 to 3,000 to get any meaningful upgrade. However you would get even more of an upgrade if you changed your Tone Arm & upgraded the T/T (or even changed it as well)

Cheers