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Who does not like the Lyra Dorian?

Just got one for my Linn LP12, and right off the detail was great, but it is very forward and bright. I am patiently waiting for it to warm up a bit so that I can make a real decision here, but I might suspect it is not to my taste (stress MIGHT, for I am known to misjudge these things in haste). I generally prefer a more spacious laid back sound, but the detail is seductive and it seems quite musical. I thought I would try something different, too firm an attachment to taste is questionable. Any thoughts?

By the way, I have Art Audio tube gear and Tetra speakers.
chashmal
chashmal OP
605 posts
 
All warmed up after much play, and well....simply magnificent. I love this cartidge. Way better than my old benz ace.
ghanson
53 posts
 
Chasmal, how many hours did it take? I am vey curious to know your impressions.
chashmal OP
605 posts
 
Oh it is pretty interesting Ghanson. At first the detail sounded too bright and way too forward, very little space and air. At hour 10 there was some depth, but still bright and glaring. At hour 20 it warmed up, became quite spacious, and the detail began to really be interesting and brilliant as opposed to harsh. That was the suggested break in time.

But at hour 50, 60, and on to 75, WOW! It is really the cartridge I had hoped for, Don't get me wrong, it is still a forward sounding unit. But the positives far outweigh the negatives. I actually love it and plan on moving up the Lyra line when it needs replacing.

Hope that helps.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
A minimum of 100 hours is more the rule.
jhendrixfan
40 posts
 
The Lyra Dorian is an absolute keeper BUT requires proper alignment of zenith and azimuth as well as anti-skate force. Don't rely on simple guides... because it is a line contact stylus it requires high resolution alignment. Align the azimuth with a cross-talk record and an AC Voltmeter or cartridge analyzer. If the azimuth is not optimized then you will not realize the potential of this cartridge. Same for anti-skate - use a proper anti-skate LP - the Nautilus test record is nice.

If all that is proper then I think that it may be your matching to the preamp too. Read my primer on cartridge matching on the 6 moons site for more info:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/stepup/primer.html

IMHO the LYRA Dorian is definitely the best value MC catridges out there.
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