Phono Cartridge Reviews

Lyra Atlas SL and Etna SL phono cartridges Specifications

Sidebar: Specifications

Description: Low-output moving-coil phono cartridges. Output levels: outputs 0.25mV (Atlas SL), 0.56mV ((Etna SL), both at 5cm/s zero to peak 45° modulation. Source impedance: 1.52 ohms and 1.9µH inductance (Atlas SL).
Prices: $9995 (Etna S) and $12,995 (Atlas S).
Manufacturer: Lyra, Japan. Web: www.lyraconnoisseur.com. US distributor: AudioQuest, 2621 White Road, Irvine, CA 92614. Tel: (949) 585-0111. Web: www.audioquest.com.

COMMENTS

I was one of those that didn

Submitted by fetuso on January 2, 2017 - 5:49pm

I was one of those that didn't "get" vinyl until a little more than a year ago when curiosity got the better of me and I bought an entry level music hall turntable. It was a revelation. I felt like I was finally hearing music the way it was supposed to sound. It's not so much that it sounds better (although it does), it's more that it feels better. The way I like to describe it is that listening to a vinyl record is like taking a warm, slow bubble bath. Digital is like a quick cold shower.

..how about another positive account

Submitted by es347 on January 3, 2017 - 4:39pm

..hey Mike, BMW prick here. I put together a moderately inexpensive analogue front end sporting a $1200 MM cartridge a couple of years ago. I don't own a vast library of LPs...maybe 100 or so, but what I do have are several albums in all four formats: redbook, high res, DSD and vinyl. You will be pleased to know that I am in total agreement with you regarding vinyl being the superior format sonically, notwithstanding the occasional clicks and pops. I've had several fellow audiophiles (who are not BMW pricks) sit in the sweet spot who concur after listening to the 4 formats of the same track. So there you have it. See just because I drive a BMW doesn't necessarily mean I'm one of the "clueless" to which you refer....XOXOX :)

so that atlas cost you $3k/year

Submitted by hyfry on January 3, 2017 - 1:53pm

considering it's $12k, lasts 4 years, and replacing the entire cartridge is what happens, that's kind of brutal.

He would of

Submitted by Wimbo on January 6, 2017 - 8:58pm

traded it in, which would save him some money.
It would also have done a lot of hours and it is relative to his employment.

BMC MCCI

Submitted by LFC on November 3, 2017 - 1:53pm

Mikey, thank you for your review. You mentioned the BMC due to the specs or also due to sonic characteristics of both the Etna and the BMC? The reason I´m asking is because I currently own a Transfiguration Phoenix S paired with the BMC (the Phoenix replaced a Dynavector XX2) and it might be too much of a good thing (too much resolution, transparency, etc.).