2. analog
  3. 1176478169

Which would you choose- Lyra, Zyx or Benz for VPI

Hello. I am looking to buy a brand new cartridge in the $2000 range. The contenders are a Zyx Airey 3 with silver bottom and copper wires ($2300), a Lyra Skala ($2200 using my Helikon tradein), or a Benz LP ($2000 using my Ruby trade in). My system is a VPI Aries with JMW 10 arm, BAT P-10 phono, BAT 5SE Pre, BAT VK-60 amp, Quad 988's all tied together with Silver Audio Appasionata's.

I listen to mostly live acoustic performances of small rock bands (think Jay Farrar and Son Volt or Wilco) or jazz groups (most of the Groove Note line). I like to hear the transients of the kick of a drum and the strum of a Martin Guitar.

I was using a Helikon until my housekeeper damaged the stylus. I always thought it was too thin in the mids and bass but it had nice air around it. I then shifted across the board to the Ruby 2H. I've been using it for a year and satified but part of the reason for all the silver cabling is that I missed the detail and air of the Helikon.

I know there are many wisdom and experience beyond me soplease help me out. Which would work best based on your experience.

Thanks, Jeff
jspownell

Showing 3 responses by jspownell

jspownell OP
4 posts
 
Thanks guys for the responses so far.

Doug, do you have any thoughts or experience on the Airy with the JMW arm. Also, your comments lead me to believe that the Airy, although in between the Helikon and Ruby, is actually more similar to the Helikon.

Raul, can you provide me some more information on your Skala recommendation. One concern that I have about another Lyra is tracking, my Helikon was not a good tracker and I don't know if the Skala is similar to the Helikon in that regard.

Thanks.
jspownell OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the continued responses. I hope more people will chime in.

Doug, I just could not get the Helikon dialed in. Maybe it was the funky JMW antiskate wire wound too tight, or loose.

So I'm still undecided between the Airy 3 and Skala.

Help...
jspownell OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for everyone's help so far.

Raul, I purchased a EDR9 yesterday form the France seller so I'm willing to try any kind of low cost alternative. If it doesn't work on my VPI, I'll move it to my other table.

It seems that its about 50/50 Zyx Airy 3 vs. Skala. I would still like to hear from more JMW arm users about their specific experience with either or both.

Doug, I've read some of your previous posts on the Zxy and on one you commented that the Airy 3 may be lively on a unipivot arm. Do you have any concern about that.

Curious on people's opinions on this... I have seen comments that the VPI Aries turntable is "dark". Could this be why I'm not satisfied with the Ruby.

Thanks again. Jeff
More to discover