Lyra

Lyra Analog is a prestigious Japanese high-end phono cartridge manufacturer founded in 1985 (originally as Scan-Tech, rebranded to Lyra Analog in 1991), created through the exceptional collaboration of a remarkable international trio: American designer Jonathan Carr, Japanese master-craftsman Yoshinori Mishima, and Norwegian business leader Stig Bjorge, who together have built nearly four decades of reputation as creators of the world's finest moving coil phono cartridges. Based in Tokyo, Japan, with all cartridges built 100% from the ground up using the artisanal craftsmanship that Japan is revered for, Lyra represents the pinnacle of analog audio reproduction technology where advanced engineering meets meticulous hand-assembly by Yoshinori Mishima, who personally adjusts and voices every single cartridge the company produces. The company's mission centers on creating long-lasting products that combine original thinking, advanced engineering, and ideal materials application, with Jonathan Carr serving as the visionary American conceptualizer and designer whose innovative approaches have consistently pushed the boundaries of phono cartridge design and performance. Lyra's comprehensive product portfolio spans four unique lines representing different performance levels: the entry-level Delos featuring micro ridge stylus and non-parallel solid metal body construction, the Kleos with aircraft-grade alloy chassis and line contact stylus with platinum-plated output pins, the high-performance Etna designed as the more accessible version of flagship technology, and the world's first asymmetrical MC phono cartridge Atlas, their flagship model featuring nonparallel left and right structures designed to reduce resonances and deliver unprecedented detail and dynamics. Operating with a philosophy that music can 'inspire, energize, or relax,' Lyra's team remains fanatical about creating and producing the most advanced possible phono cartridges, with each model representing years of refinement in pursuit of providing a direct and transparent conduit to the music waiting in LP collections. The company has earned recognition from major audiophile publications including The Absolute Sound and Stereophile, with reviewers consistently praising Jonathan Carr's innovative designs and Yoshinori Mishima's exceptional craftsmanship that delivers cutting-edge technology and meticulous build quality, making Lyra cartridges the choice among serious vinyl enthusiasts worldwide. With nearly 40 years of continuous operation since 1985, Lyra Analog continues advancing the frontier of analog audio reproduction through their Tokyo facility, where the integration of American design innovation, Japanese artisanal manufacturing excellence, and Norwegian business leadership has created a unique company that stands as the global standard for high-end phono cartridge engineering and production.