Lyra Skala installation


Hi everybody,

I just bought an awesome Lyra Skala mc low output cartridge and I have so many doubts about his right calibration/instalation.

My analog front end consist of Clearaudio Champion Level II turntable, SME 309 tone arm, Jelco JAC 502 phono cable, LFD MC-2 phono pre, Mark Levinson 380s pre, Krell FPB 300Cx amp and Wilson Audio W/P system 5.1 everything cabled by the classical Cello Strings.

My first doubt is about screws. What dou you recommend to my Lyra/SME combo? I have 3 options, large/medium/small height.

I got the best sound from the Lyra at 1,66 vtf weight and 1,6 antiskating force but I would have to get some more feedback from other users (Jcarr?)

I also would like to be recommended by a better phono cable. Which phono cable do you recommend?

What size of vinyl do you prefer to calibrate de HTA? 120g? 140g? 180g? 200g?

Finally I would want to say that this Lyra produces an amazing sound, fast, detailed, open, dynamic, warm... and it is probably imho the emd of my analog road. I would like to say thanks to Jonathan Carr for make so excelent mc cartridge to the audiophile and music lovers.

Kindest regards
pojuojuo

Showing 3 responses by pojuojuo

Thanks both for your inputs ;-D

I know 1,66g VTF sounds funny but I checked it and differences in bass articulation, air and scene laidback. Seriously.

I also add to my phono cable list XLO, thanks

What about screws? Vta? ... I used in the past spacers but I had bad sonic results, I also use some matts (cork, leather...) but again bad results...

Thanks
Thanks Marakanetz, Syntax and Jcarr for your really interesting inputs.

Finally I would like to comment something about the VTA.

Reading some information about it in the Van den Hul FAQ webpage he recommends to increase 4-6mm the pilar's height but In my humble opinion I totally disagree with this point, at least with my others mc cartridges (Clearaudio, Benz Micro) results were really bad.

I usually adjust the cartridges with the SME recommendation, this set the cartridge conpletely pararel to the platter.

What experience doy you have with Lyra VTA?

Thanks again
So,

Screws, 1,6mm extra long from the headshell
Vta paralel to the platter
No matts or try some carbon graphite one
Vtf to 1,65~1.75 depending on the room temp
Antiskating from 1,6 to 1,7
Ultra low capacitance phono cable like Cardas or XLO

Anything else?

Thanks again everybody to answer so fast my first doubts about my analog front end