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Lyra Etna SL vs. Transfiguration Proteus + Koetsu Urushi

I had an unfortunate incident and accidentally broke off the cantilever of my "My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent Bc" which had barely 50 hours on it (long story). It was a terrific all a a-rounder and my back up Benz LPS is already getting long in the tooth so I guess it's time for  a new cart or carts.

I have read many reviews on the Lyra Etna SL and searched most forums and  almost all of them had rave reviews. Though I have not heard this cart personally nor any Lyra cart for that matter. What is holding me back is the price. It is difficult to purchase a cart ( or any piece of audio for that matter ) without a home demo. In this case, it will be a blind buy. As an example, the Ortofon A90, it had rave reviews and a lot of people love it. I didn't hate it but it wasn't my cup of tea. Now,  If I love the Etna SL  than great ( at this price range "like" is not enough ), if not I'm dead to rights with a very expensive cart. 

On the other hand, I have heard the Proteus and was absolutely impressed and I also have heard most Koetsu's which is definitely pure magic in the midrange. Though the different colors in the Urushi line still bewilders me. I was initially intrigued by the Coralstone but I didn't feel it would be a good all a-arounder for that price.

So, would you get the better more expensive cart ( I am assuming based on price alone ) or the musical flexibility of two carts with polar opposite characteristics? The price of the Lyra SL is almost similar to the Proteus plus Urushi added together. Your thoughts appreciated.

P.S. I have an extra armwand for my Graham so no need to get an extra tonearm.
P.P.S My system is in the virtual systems ( sorry, don't know how to attach it/link it here)
attymbb
attymbb OP
25 posts
 
rauliruegas,

               The rebuild by my sonic lab would almost cost the almost same as a new one, save a few hundred bucks. I could just get it re-tipped by Soundsmith, but I have heard friends who have gone this route and say the carts don't sound the same as the original. 
                At almost half the price would you go for the Transfiguration over the Lyra? I have read many great reviews on both carts. 

stringreen

               I'm not dumping the Benz though I read somewhere in this forum of someone who did after purchasing the Proteus. I love the LPS. I just feel that it may need to be rebuilt soon. 
               I agree about the "better" but not sure which one is better than the other (Lyra vs Proteus). Different, the Koetsu is definitely different.


By the way, if I go the Proteus route I'm not simultaneously getting a Koetsu. I'm just doing the math. 
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

@attymmbb. 'I'am just doing the math'' (01-11-18). I think

simple algebra will do. However there are  'unclear variables''.

What does ''refurbishing'' or '' rebuild'' mean?

While the stylus ''state'' causes the most wary the stylus exchange

is the least problematic ''rebuild kind'' among the possible kinds.

I.e. cantilever or suspension (ex)change are more problematic

according to J. Carr. In the sense of preserving the original

sound that is. The usual ''retip'' consist in gluing the cantilever/

stylus combo in he so called ''joint pipe''. Boron+ whatever exotic

stylus cost about 500 euro. Stylus only in the original cantilever

cost about 180 GBP by Expert stylus (UK). ''Refurbishing'' or

''rebuild'' by the manufacturer cost about 3/4 of the retail price.

But one need to remember the ''distribution of income'' among

the ''social classes''. The importer get about 30%, the seller get

also 30% so , according to simple algebra, the producer get also

about 30%. My Koetsu Rosewood Signature was refurbished

by Koetsu for 2200 euro. Those who recommend ''refurbishing''

by the manufacturer have no idea what they are talking about.

Assuming boron cantilever + Shibata or micro ridge one can

assume that retippers as well the cart producers get those from

the same supplier. So the chance to get the same boron cantilever

is pretty probable while the choice of the retipper become very

important. Depending from his experience and skills the result

will be as such. BTW ''refurbishing'' by the manufacturer means

an new generator. Those are produced as separat parts and

installed in different bodies . Koetsu's  Urushi's are the best

illustration. Because the manufacturer don't produce their own

cantilevers and styli they don't do retips. Besides they would

need to hire an specialist for this kind of job while producing

and selling  carts is not a ''big business''.

sunnyboy1956's avatar
sunnyboy1956
424 posts
 
I have owned the Orpheus L, a brilliant cart and I preferred it to the Proteus that I had in my system for a brief while. In the context of my system and my musical priorities, the Etna SL is not only the best cart that I have owned but has few, if any peers, at any price point. It’s an amazing cart that takes musical enjoyment to a different level. I have the Etna SL and MC Anna mounted on the same table with similar arms, a Durand Kairos and Talea2. I usually start playing an lp with the Anna and visitors gush over the SQ. I  switch to the Etna SL and there is a palpable sense of disbelief. The Etna SL takes the sonic picture several notches higher.
Just my 2 cents worth
attymbb OP
25 posts
 
sunnyboy1956,

                This was exactly the answer I was looking for. Thank you. Despite my initial concern regarding the musical flexibility of the Koetsu Coralstone, I have decided to either get the Etna SL, now knowing how superior it is to the Proteus, or the Coralstone. Ofcourse at this price point I can only afford one. Now to do more research and if possible to hear both cartridges before purchasing. 
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I moved from the Benz LPS (4 years) to an Air Tight PC-1 Supreme. Also owned/used the Koetsu RSP for a while. I listened to a lot of cartridges and couldn't find one I liked more than the Benz, until the Air Tight Supreme. I would try and listen to it and even more the Air Tight Opus 1.
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