Lyra Delos or Helicon versus Soundsmith Zephyr

I have both the Lyra Delos and SS Aida. I would recommend going with the Lyra. The Lyra is warm, detailed and exhibits very good retrieval of low level details. SS Aida is very analytical detailed and has poor low level details. The best way to explain would be to to say SS sounds like good digital source. I have owned or tried a range of SS cartridges. Barring the SS modified Denon 103s, all other SS cartridges have the same house sound, that is like a very good digital source. Some may like the sound, after all digital has a lot of fans, it's up to you to decide. I however recommend going used because the new ones are no where worth the current prices (almost doubled in last 2 years), you can do better for the money.

Cheers

Jwpstayman no offense taken.

I do not have a VPI turntable, but have 3 tables in different rooms. I remain firm that SS cartridges have a Digital sound. The opinion is not mine alone, several friends who are critical listeners concluded the same. There is nothing wrong with liking digital sound. I am pretty sure you like that kind of a sound, hence your preference for SS, as I said nothing wrong with preferences. But I would advise the OP to carefully listen before buying. He already has SS so unless he tries something different he will not know the difference and what he is missing.

No one says it loud but this is what forums are for, SS cartridges sound good but are not accurate, they have a house sound and do sound different that I cannot put my finger on.

Happy listening,
Svenjosh