Lyra Skala installation


Hi everybody,

I just bought an awesome Lyra Skala mc low output cartridge and I have so many doubts about his right calibration/instalation.

My analog front end consist of Clearaudio Champion Level II turntable, SME 309 tone arm, Jelco JAC 502 phono cable, LFD MC-2 phono pre, Mark Levinson 380s pre, Krell FPB 300Cx amp and Wilson Audio W/P system 5.1 everything cabled by the classical Cello Strings.

My first doubt is about screws. What dou you recommend to my Lyra/SME combo? I have 3 options, large/medium/small height.

I got the best sound from the Lyra at 1,66 vtf weight and 1,6 antiskating force but I would have to get some more feedback from other users (Jcarr?)

I also would like to be recommended by a better phono cable. Which phono cable do you recommend?

What size of vinyl do you prefer to calibrate de HTA? 120g? 140g? 180g? 200g?

Finally I would want to say that this Lyra produces an amazing sound, fast, detailed, open, dynamic, warm... and it is probably imho the emd of my analog road. I would like to say thanks to Jonathan Carr for make so excelent mc cartridge to the audiophile and music lovers.

Kindest regards
pojuojuo

Showing 2 responses by marakanetz

So far had 3 Lyras: Beta, Argo, Titan. Titan not realy belongs to my system since it worth more than my TT/arm together, but purchased at a steal price, keep it untouched up until upgrade to more expensive analogue probably similar to yours, not for resale or transfer cose there's no cartrige line that superior to Lyra performance characteristics at any given price.

My main tweak/tip that I've discoverd is not to connect firmly to the top of cartridge shells but to space it with washers between cartridge body and body of headshell. Therefore I would recommend using longer screws enough to handle combined length with spacers and nuts. It gives an additional mechanical isolation that improves 'immunity' from arm imperfections.

The VTF I usually set up in the range of 1.75 where it tracks the best with no rumble even at high volumes and than adjust VTA to the best performance.

I'm Rega arm owner(Technoarm), Previously I used RB300 with Incognito wires that sounded superior to Technoarm but it got busted by kids to unrepairable condition:-(. Thinking that Technoarm would be better and available rightaway without waiting to rewire, I've purchased it. It has same phono cable as Origin Live(Cardas?)
In your situation I would doubt to have significant improvement to the stock phono wire you currently have.

I prefer to adjust on 80g vinyl since there's not much of heavy vinyl in my collection. So I may suggest setting up for the most of your collection or to the most frequently listenable records.

Hope that helps.