Cartridge options going forward


As much as I hate to admit it, my Lyra Etna is getting a little long in the tooth. I really look forward to listening to music with this cartridge but the amount of money they get for it has reached the point where I want to consider a more fiscally responsible alternative. I have owned a Kleos and Skala before the Etna and while the Kleos is good, it is not an Etna.  Any ideas?
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xmtwilke
A “fiscallly responsible” option might be the Soundsmith Strain Gauge. It’s around $8k I think, which includes the phono stage/preamp (it’s available in a few different configurations, but you have to use their preamp). 
It has a user replaceable styli and the replacements are like $5-600. 
Have Soundsmith retip the Etna with his best OCL diamond, preserving the stock Etna cantilever.
You should post your system or at least turntable, tonearm and phono preamp. That will hopefully result in better input.

Lyra was not my cup of tea. I recommend you hear an EMT cartridge. I think they offer great sound as well as great value.
Many suggest restoration.

I would ask Steve’s advice before going any further, he is highly respected.

https://vasnyinc.com/repair-service/

he gave me some good specific advice when I was researching, considering buying something for him to repair, sent him model names of ones I was considering.

I don’t think I will ever buy a very expensive cartridge, especially as I came to decide I would buy new, not re-tip or re-build, I always want a new suspension, so get a better profile and thus longer lasting stylus, enjoy it, new cartridge when needed.

I liked the specs, bought this new one, it’s my first MC, I love it’s wide channel separation imaging ability and it’s tight channel balance which allows a very stable phantom center.

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-coil/at33ptg-2