Lyra is an audio brand that specializes in the production of high-end headphones and audio accessories.

Lyra

The Lyra Skala is a fifth-generation cartridge design created by Jonathan Carr. It features a unique construction that initially appears to be entirely made of plastic; however, a closer examination reveals a sophisticated design focused on performance. The core structure includes a vertical metal blade that houses the cantilever system, magnets, and output pins. This blade is clamped against the tonearm headshell by an outer white plastic base, which contains the mounting screw holes. The direct contact between the vertical blade and the headshell, along with the cantilever system mounted to the blade, ensures a seamless connection to the tonearm. The Skala operates without the typical resonant carapace found in traditional cartridges, allowing it to stand out with its nude design. The small contact area of the blade facilitates a high-pressure, rigid bond with the tonearm, while the construction reduces resonances and eddy currents, enhancing overall performance.

Skala

The Lyra Kleos MC Phono Cartridge incorporates innovative 'New Angle' technology that aligns the signal coils optimally during playback, addressing issues common in traditional MC cartridges. This phono cartridge features a chassis made from aircraft-grade aluminum, improved energy transfer mechanism, and multi-material construction that minimizes internal resonances. It’s entirely handmade and boasts a Lyra-designed line contact stylus along with platinum-plated output pins, achieving a quiet noise floor and delivering superior resolution, dynamic range, and tonal warmth. The Kleos aims to outperform higher-priced models while maintaining exceptional performance across various musical genres. Specifications include an output voltage of 0.5 mV, frequency response from 10 Hz to 50 kHz, channel separation greater than 35 dB, and a recommended tracking force of 1.7 to 1.8 grams.

Kleos

The Lyra Delos is a medium weight, medium compliance, low-impedance moving coil phono cartridge that utilizes innovative engineering to enhance LP playback performance. Designed by Jonathan Carr and built by Yoshinori Mishima and Akiko Ishiyama, it addresses common issues seen in conventional cartridges that can restrict sound quality. The unique body structure paired with a pre-angled damping system allows for optimal alignment of the signal coils with the magnetic circuit when tracking force is applied, preventing misalignment that typically limits resolution and dynamic range. It features a Namiki microridge line-contact nude diamond stylus, a solid boron cantilever, and is constructed from anodized aluminum to minimize resonance. The cartridge is equipped with high-purity copper coils and boasts improved performance metrics across various audio characteristics, demonstrating enhanced transient impact, dynamic range, and immediacy. It has a frequency range of 10Hz to 50kHz, with an output voltage of 0.6mV and recommended tracking force of 1.65g to 1.75g. Ideal for medium to medium-high mass tonearms, the Delos offers a sophisticated approach to vinyl playback, bringing out the details and musicality of records.

Delos

The Lyra Atlas λ Lambda is a high-performance phono cartridge designed for excellent sound quality. It features an asymmetric design to minimize standing waves and resonance-induced colorations. This construction reduces the traceable path of vibrations from the cantilever assembly to the tonearm, allowing for rapid signal dissipation and enhanced audio integrity. It utilizes Lyra's unique 'New Angle' technology to ensure optimal alignment of signal coils and magnets during playback, promoting fine performance across all directions. The cartridge retains key elements from previous models, including a yokeless dual magnet system and a diamond-coated boron cantilever, while introducing a new tapered damper system for improved suspension and stability. Its body is precisely machined from solid titanium, employing a phase-interference resonance-controlling mechanism to further suppress unwanted resonances. Designed for various tonearm compatibility, it is known for both its fidelity and precision in sound reproduction.

Atlas

The Lyra Argo i is a high-performance moving-coil phono cartridge that features a hand-made cantilever and stylus assembly. It incorporates a boron rod cantilever and an original line-contact stylus, which contributes to its exceptional sound quality. The cartridge has a non-polepiece construction using a non-magnetic, non-conductive front magnet carrier, allowing only the two symmetrical disc magnets to create the magnetic field. Its body is crafted from a single piece of hard-anodized aluminum alloy to ensure superior rigidity and minimize unwanted resonances. With an output of 0.45mV, this cartridge requires a capable phono amplifier to fully utilize its resolving power and reproduce the intricate details of the music. Recommended tracking force is 1.8 grams, with a load impedance ranging between 100 ohms and 47k ohms, providing flexibility in setup. The Argo i claims a frequency response from 10Hz to 50kHz and boasts greater than 30dB channel separation, making it suitable for advanced analog systems. Its ability to deliver dynamic range and spatial cues makes it a notable choice among audiophiles seeking detailed and nuanced sound reproduction. Additionally, the Argo i is particularly effective at reproducing high and low frequencies distinctly, with deep, tight bass response and clear treble articulation. While it occupies a mid-range price point of approximately $1500, it offers performance characteristics often found in more expensive models.

Lyra

Skala

Kleos

Delos

Atlas

Argo

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