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Dyna XX-2 MKII vs. Lyra Kleos

I've been contemplating going from my Dyna XX-2 MKII to a Lyra Kleos on my VPI Classic 3. I dug through the archives, but mostly found comparisons between the Delos and Kleos. I would appreciate any insight from someone that has compared the two cartridges, or even if you have compared the Dyna XX-2 MKII to the Lyra Delos or Kleos. Of primary concern, is the bass response, will it be comparable, have the same impact as the Dyna XX-2 MKII? My phono stage is the Avid Pulsus, Amp - Music Reference RM-9 MK II and Wilson Sophia IIs.
captain_winters
captain_winters OP
120 posts
 
Fjn04,
No, I actually bought the Jan Allaerts MC1 Boron used on Audiogon, it was actually a pleasant experience. I believe the new list price is more like S3,750, so quite a bit more than a Dyna XX2 MK II. You can get a lot better deal on the used market, but as you know, there is always a risk. Its been a month now, so I should probably re-install the Dyna and verify my initial impressions. Switch out that big block of gold for the Dyna black aluminum parallel sides.
captain_winters OP
120 posts
 
Since I just re-installed my Dynavector XX-2 MKII, I thought I would resurrect this thread to see if anyone has made any comparisons of it with the Lyra.
zachteich
8 posts
 
Captain,

I went from the XX2 Mk2 to the Kleos on my VPI HRX. I found that I preferred the kleos. While certainly no slouch, the Dyna was not a dynamic as the Kelos, nor as detailed. Where the two carts were very similar was in midrange and vocal timbres, and both were excellent. I wound up selling the dyna.
nkonor
605 posts
 
I currently use the Dyna XX2 Mk II on my Kuzma Stabi w/ 12" ref arm and Kleos on my Linn LP 12 w/ Ekos arm. Dyna is very layered and smooth. Kleos is detailed and dynamic, great bass. I am happy with both; They provide the just right change of pace w/o totally overshadowing each other. I know others might disagree; but I think the 12" Kuzma arm lets the Dyna play above its price and accounts for the smoothness and layering
snopro
315 posts
 
I use to have a dynavector xx2 mk.2 on my VPI Classic 3 with a 3D arm. Then I purchased a used Kleos SL on Audiogon and it was so much better!
The xx2 was smooth and had nice tone but sounded a little dull compared to the Kleos.
The Kleos SL was much faster,detailed, and more open sounding without losing the tonality and great bass like the xx2.

It was a big step up in my system, IMHO.
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