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Dynavector XX2 mk2 vs Lyra DELOS which is better?

Hi every one I am in a bit of a analog dilemma. Just thinking of doing a cartridge upgrade but don't know which root to go. My system Is a Oracle Delphi MK3/4 with all MK6 upgrades but the motor. Paired with a SME4 tonearm feeding a music First audio Classic V2 MC step up transformer. Into a cary sip-98 phono preamp into a Cary cad 120s tube amp and totem forest speakers. I currently own a Dynavector XX2 MKII cartridge that's at the end of its life. I can get it rebuilt for $1300 CAD which isn't bad since I got the cartridge 2 hand for $350 never used haha a score. But my other dealer has a new Lyra Delos cartridge for $2600 CAD. Now I Have only heard the Dynavector since owned one before, and have never heard a Lyra. My real question is the Delos that much better then the XX2 MKII and worth the extra $1300 dollars. Or should I stick with the XX2 MKII because I am already amazed by it and pleased. Let me know your thoughts, Thanks fellow audiogon's.
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mskochman
8 posts
 
I've owned both cartridges.  If you love and are amazed by the sound of a Dynavector XX2 - which is a rich, big sound with nice detail and very strong deep analog bass - the Lyra will sounder somewhat cleaner but thinner.  The Delos played music that needed more meat on its bones to me. The Lyra tracks quieter (less groove chatter) but I sold it for a Dynavector and never regretted the decision for a second!  I had a top of the line Goldring which was very smooth and the sound of the Delos just sounded thin to me in comparison.  
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I have a Delos and it does not sound thin to me
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edwyun
244 posts
 
As compared to?
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
some say Benz Micro wood sound warm and colored. I think Lyra Delos has a slight hint of warmth and is very neutral sounding. I think its a best bang for the buck in audio. it does a lot of things right. I could almost say I have no desire to go up in the line as the Delos does enough for me in my system. It is a fussy one when setting it up and lets you know when its not at optimum setting.
catcher10's avatar
catcher10
77 posts
 
Delos is not a thin sounding cart. That is more an issue with the gear like phono stage and amplification, if you have thin sounding music also your loading.
If I play music that has meat the Delos plays it, what it does is play low end with very high detail, so some might think that is thin sounding.

I love the sound of my Delos, have no desire to try anything else, so I will trade it in for a new one when ready as Lyra has a good trade in program.
If you like the Dynavector, I suggest you do the same. 
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