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Most compatible phono pre for Lyra Delos

I am happy with my current set up but I believe I may be able to retreive more detail with a more compatible phono pre. Your input will be greatly appreciated.

I would describe the current sound of my system as fatigue free, easy to hear, articulate, spacious, open, and balanced. In good recordings I get good body with particular emphasis on upper bass. It does not sound bright, nor thin but (depending on the recording) sometimes lack some extension at the frequency extremes.

I mostly listen to the likes of Dire Straits, Supertramp, Steely Dan, Alan Parsons, Eagles, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Natalie Merchant, Tom Petty, etc. You get the picture.

I also enjoy listening to Bob James, Stan Getz, Herb Albert, Chuck Mangione, Sergio Mendes, etc.

My current system:
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum
Output tubes – Tung Sol KT120
Phase splitters – Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7
Amp section drivers – Genalex Gold Lion 12AU7

Highly modified Rega RP3 (comparable to a RP8)
Lyra Delos
Dynavector DV-P75 (in enhancer mode)

GoldenEar Triton 7 tower speakers
StraightWire Maestro speaker/interconnect cables
APC H15 1.5kVA Power Conditioner Unit

The Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum needs no introduction.
Same with the Lyra Delos.

The Triton 7 s are able to reproduce a detailed sound with adequate frequency response and sharp transient response. Snap is there, but they are not as dynamic as you would expect compared to a much larger speaker.

The most remarcable aspect of the triton 7s is its ability to produce a wide, open sound with width, depth, and height. They are capable of producing a sense that a voice or instrument is in a particular place in the room, almost dispearing like a good quality monitor would do.

So the question remains; would I be able to obtain more levels of resolution and maybe dynamic impact with a more suitable phono pre for my Delos?

I don't mind buying used/demoed (All my gear is either used or demoed with the exception of the Delos and RB8) but I definitely would like to stay under the $1,500.00 range.

kiko65

Showing 9 responses by kiko65

kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
So far:

Phonomena Nova
Heron VTPH-1mc
Linn Linto
Rega Aria
Graham Slee Reflex C
Parasound JC3

All very capable phono stages. Some way over my budget. The Reflex C sounds very tempting at around $1,200.00 with great reviews. With a little luck I may be able to find one used.

Other great options under $1,500.00 for the Delos?

Has anyone else experienced great results with the Reflex C/Delos?

Sdcampbell, would you mind describing the sound qualities of the Reflex C in your system?
kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
Syntax, Tswisla, and Jcoehler:
Thank you for your input on the Chinook but at $2,200.00, its definitely out of my range.

I am not completely sold on the Reflex C yet but the price, as well as the two week free trial, sounds extremely tempting so now it sits on the top of my list.

Fourwnds,
Who knows, you may be right about the speakers but the Triton 3s array of dirvers is a bit different from the 7s:

In the 3s, there is one of the same 4.5" high-definition spider-leg drivers as used in the Triton Two, along with the high velocity folded ribbon tweeter.

The 7 combines a D’Appolito array of two newly developed 5-1/4" midrange/bass drivers specifically designed for exceptionally long-throw surrounded by the same high velocity folded ribbon tweeter.

They sounded quite different when I auditioned both them at the Sound Component store in South Miami. As good as the 3s sounded, the 7s blew them away producing far better detailed/richer sound, with surprisignly deep, tuneful bass.

But the real magic of the design is its ability to disappear! Speed, focus, openness, and depth comparable to one of my all time favorites, the Spendor S8a.

Norah Jones' ("Come away with me" Classic Records release in 200 gm.) voice completely disappears in my living room with eminent resolve and musicality.

BTW, my favorite speaker (as we speak) has to be the unassuming Spiral Groove Canalis Anima but at $3,250.00 a pair and w/out stands, its gonna have to wait a little longer!

I trully believe that I will be able to improve the sound with a more suitable phono pre and I'm going to adhere to this principle.......for now.
kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
Thanks Jcoehler, I will take a look. You don't see this kind of deal often!
kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
Just bought a used GS Reflex C from a trusted Agoner. Waiting for arrival. Will post after a thorough listening session.
kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
Thanks Downunder but $3,500.00 is really out of my reach. I only paid $600.00 plus shipping cost for the GS Reflex C. I thought it was a good buy considering its $1,250.00 price tag.
kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
Good thing I followed your advice Downunder,

Now that I have done an extensive audition of the G Slee which has been hooked to my system for a full week, I can honestly tell you that, to my ears, the P-75 sounds better than the Reflex C.

First, (with the Reflex C) there is an audible hum coming out of my speakers past 11 while there is no hum coming out of my speakers with the P-75, not even past 3!

Second, what I hear at 9 with the P-75 I hear at 10 with the Reflex C.

Third, the Reflex C sounds "thin" compared to the P-75 in enhanser mode.

Not a bad phono pre, just not better than the P-75 in my system and to my ears.
kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
This is quite informative Pani.
Thank you so much for your input. I will definitely do some research about the Pro-ject Phonobox RS.

I clearly understand what you are saying. My spare cart is the extremely rare Dynavector 10XGold L which retailed for $345.00 back in the days. Only 50 were allocated to the US. I bought mine NOS for $250.00 and, to my ears, it sounds way better than the much improved DV20X2L; equally impresive but tonally more accurate. Perfect match with the P-75 in enhancer mode and closer to XX-2 standards with its boron cantilever. It gives me about $85% of what I get from my reference cart, the exceptional Lyra Delos, at a fraction of the cost.

Thank you again Pani.


kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
The Complete has a full, involving sound with enough power (50 WPC) to drive most speakers for an amazingly affordable price Sbrownnw.

That said, I prefer my 25 years old reference SS Integrated Amp over EVERYTHING I've heard out there; The Tandberg TIA 3012A. Nothing has ever come close to this beauty!!! Not even the highly regarded Plinius 8200 MKII.

kiko65 OP
279 posts
 
All good Garybergd,
That's the beauty of this hobby. Trust your ears and NOT what people hype about! I can honestly tell you that it wasn't even close in my set up. I switched back and forth many times during the week I auditioned both. The P-75 in my system won by a landslide. The Reflex C sounded "thin and weak" compared to the much more "lively" P-75.
Just my opinion and personal preference.
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