Which Lyra Helicon?


I'm getting into vinyl in a big way, just purchased extended Aries w/JMW 12.5 tonearm.... now, I need a cartridge and phono pre-amp.

I've pretty much decided on a Lyra Helikon, but unsure about whether to get the .4mv or the super low output one (2.3mv?)

What should I do?

For now, budget says Grado Phono pre-amp.... or? suggestions?

Thanks, in advance.

John
jbatlanta
Every low output MC is better than it's higher ' brother '.
Here it is the same.

But when you don't have a real good phono stage, I think, you will have more satisfaction with the high output Helikon.
Lyra systems are recommended with a MC 47K load, the next step for a phono section.

These systems are designed for serious users.
At .5mv sensitivity in MC mode the Grado phono stage is going to be a bad match to the lower output version and, depending on the rest of the system, and your sensitivity to noise, may even prove a problem with the higher output version. I think that in the price range the Phenomena could take either, but it's not my favorite cuppa tea. A better idea might be to use a MM phono stage, like the Grado in low gain and use an MC transformer ahead of it. Transformers are dead quiet and an excellent way to step up gain for a MC cartridge. Many of the nicer ones can be had quite inexpensively on this site. Just my 2 cents.