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Replacing Lyra Kleos at end of its life need suggestions as to what next?

I purchased a slightly used Lyra Kleos on Audiogon awhile back and its now probably close to retirement. 

I have enjoyed the cartridge and considered upgrading to the Lyra Etna but its rather expensive.  I thought about getting another Kleos but think want to upgrade rather than simply replace.

A couple dealers have suggested either a Soundsmith Hyperion or a ZYX Universe III.  The ZYX is roughly the cost of the Etna so that gives me pause.

Complicating matters neither of the dealers are local so would have to mount the pricey cartridge myself or with the assistance of friends in or out of the audiogon community.  

I have a Lenco L75 idler wheel direct drive turntable that has an upgraded plinth among other things and am using a Dartzeel phono/line preamplifier.

I listen to wide assortment of music including jazz, rock, and singer/songwriter stuff.....but not classical music....

any thoughts welcome

thanks

Michael

radioheadokplayer

Showing 3 responses by basement

basement
245 posts
 
Just a question: does Lyra not rebuild their own carts anymore?

Now, I hope I don't make anyone mad, but I recently read about a certain non-lyra rebuild of one of their carts, and it was a downgrade-not an upgrade. Part of what makes the designs is the cantilever and tip. 

I can't speak of the cost or the sound, perhaps having a  rebuild for less money with cheaper materials makes a lot of sense, just, maybe a little perspective. 

What about, say, a high output to a low output version? I can see a case where upgrading the phono stage and going low output on a lyra could be as much an upgrade in sound as the next step up in the cart line.
basement
245 posts
 
I don't think the question has been answered, but are you sure your cart is at the end of it's life? 

What gives you that indication? Have you had it checked?
basement
245 posts
 
You seem to be taking a sensible path. I get not wanting to spend money, just to get the same thing. After all, when we get the audiophile disease, we want to spend money to UPGRADE...lol

Just to throw this out there, (I kinda said it before), but upgrading the other phone components might be a more effective way to spend the upgrade money. 

Lyra carts may be a matter of taste, but regardless of preference, most agree they are VERY capable carts. Tonearms and phono stages can change the game. In fact, unless they are absolutely top-notch, spending more on a cart might not get you half of what they are capable of. 

Smart move to hang onto it and try a different cart- if you discover you are for sure into the lyra sound/capabilities, revisit. 

Might throw this out too...before you decide to send it in, it's a real good idea to see IF it needs a rebuild yet in the first place.
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