Hana Umami Red or Lyra Kleos?

Thanks Jim. availability might end up being a factor too with the current supply chain issues. I’m probably going to have to take a trip up to Washington DC if I can find a dealer up that way who can demo them both on the same table. I haven’t located a Lyra dealer any closer yet though, other than the mail order chains.

I’m curious about what Soundsmth might say too about the tonearm matching issue with their "The Voice" .HOMI cartridge. The dealer I spoke with thought it was a significant enough issue to warrant going with the lower Soundsmith Zephyr model.

Daveyf, thanks for your description, having heard both. If you don’t mind my asking, why did you decide to go with the Kleos over the Umami?

Raul, maybe some day I can upgrade the tonearm too, but with my Euro stock holdings in my IRA tanking lately, that may be later rather than sooner. 

Mike

I'm telegraphing this in from the slums, but I recently replaced my worn-out Lyra Delos with a Hana ML, and I have to say I'm liking my Hana a heck of a lot. The Hana was a bit tizzy during the first week, but it has mellowed out and is now warm, happy and beautiful-sounding., Now broken in, tracking is now at least equal to the always fine-tracking Lyra. .Orchestral string tone is unmatched. Vocalists and instruments are as "there" as I've ever experienced on my system. Dynamics and slam are about equal. Alphason Arm.

Thanks edcyn. The Hana line of cartridges does get a lot of praise. Do you find your Hana ML a bit warmer than the Lyra Delos in your system or are they about the same in that regard?

Mike

@retipper might weigh in on The Voice / VPI arm compatibility issues, if any… He is the inventor after all and a fine man.

???

Jim

Jim, that would be helpful. I haven’t heard back from Soundsmith yet, but I only emailed them Friday and Saturday.

Mike