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MC cartridge input - Lyra Delos or AT Art9 (or higher AT)

I have a well isolated MMF9.1 Turntable with a highly revealing downstream system with Classe power and Dynaudio C1s and a subwoofer.  It sounds great with the old (came with the used table) Lyra Argo cart.  I am looking at upgrading.  I like the great imaging and air that I get with the Lyra cart.  It blows away my digital efforts.  I am thinking of switching to a new cart so I can track the age and condition and get an upgrade at  same time.  I am thinking of either getting a Lyra Delos or a Audio Technica ART9 or similar AT cart.  I was wondering if anyone has heard a ART 9 (or the anniversary editions in price range of Delos) and compared it to the Delos.  How would you characterize the sound comparison.  I play mostly pop, rock and folk.  i have scoured the internet but found little to hang my hat on.
ryanvt
tablejockey
743 posts
 
Price difference between the 2 is significant, so comparing the 2 may not be ideal. Having heard both, the "value" cart is the ART 9.

Subjectively, the 9 more neutral. Delos has the " focus" knob turned up a  couple notches. Also the "tint" bumped. TV  analogy is the best I can describe difference. 

Cost difference was the deal breaker when I was seriously leaning toward Delos, which at the time was $ 1600.
ryanvt OP
17 posts
 
That is very helpful tablejockey - thank you.
enobenetto
52 posts
 
Is the Art9 just a fancier Oc9iii? It uses the magnets, yoke and coils from the OC9iii I believe. If so, then what is original about the Art9?
invictus005
597 posts
 
Had all of those cartridges, my recommendation is Ortofon 2M Black. It’s visceral and a spiritual experience. 
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
243 posts
 
I don't know the Delos.  But, I do have an ART9 and love it.  Considering the price is almost double, I'd go with the ART9 again.  I upgraded from Blue Point #2, then Dynavector 10x5, and the ART is significantly better than those.  I'm sure the Delos could be another step forward, but at a cost of $800 extra, I'm unlikely to really find out.  Law of diminishing returns applies.
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