Lyra Delos vs Grado Statement Reference low output


I'm reading really good things about these new (sort of) Grado "Statement" series low-output carts: they are said to offer more detail than the reference series. How does the Statement Reference compare to the comparably-priced Lyra Delos? I suppose the Delos has more high-frequency extension and detail, and the Grado is richer. But is the Grado seriously outclassed by the Delos's detail, or is it close? Is the Delos seriously outclassed by the Grado's rich tone, or is it close? And are they close in terms of surface noise and tracking, or is the Delos (I assume) far better in these areas? Thank you. (I use a Heed Quasar phono stage, a Don Allen linestage and Don Allen 807 SET amp.)
adamay

Showing 1 response by larryi

Whether the Delos is too bright or the Grado too bass heavy and dull is largely dependent on taste and system balancing. Because I listen a lot to digital sources, as well as vinyl, I require a cartridge/phonostage combination that is most nearly matched, in terms of basic tonal balance, to digital sources. If the two are far apart, there is no way that a change in any other part of the chain can improve the sound of one without detracting from the other.

I think it would be harder to match the Grado with a phonostage to achieve a similar overall balance with digital sources than any Lyra cartridge. If one starts with the Grado and selects downstreamcomponents to complement the Grado sound, most digital sources would end up sounding lean and harmonically threadbare.