Another trip to Leicester

[On the vinyl]

Hi guys and girls
I have been to see the maestro himself, Mr Swain.
This time to have the long awaited Karousel bearing fitted and at the same time a Urika 1 phono stage.
Now this time I went with slight trepidation as I wasn’t sure if the outlay would be decernable enough to warrant that outlay, thinking that the higher up the ladder the more you have to spend for small gains, not only that but I’m a tight arse!.
I also mentioned to Peter that I wasn’t all that enamoured with the Cirkus bearing, yes it lowered the noise floor and greater detail but somewhat at the expense of life, energy, sparkle.
Re the Urika, I have always used the phono cards in my Nac82 and was happy with them, at this point I must say that I have always been in contact with Peter prior to any changes that I have in mind and as usual has always been very helpful even if it’s at night, weekends or on holiday, now that’s customer service at its best, from the best in the business.
He advised that the Urika would be a step up in sound quality.
Anyway I’ve had to wait until the weekend to really listen and I’ve had a good run at it today, I mean it sounded wonderful mated to a 500 active system into Kudos Titans but that is just what it can do.
Fast forward to today and my fears were misplaced as it was just so intoxicating, first thing I noticed was the noise floor, just nothing and I mean nothing, then the level of detail, incredible but more importantly the life was back and the music was a revelation, now some time ago certain buggers on here got me into jazz and this was so good I don’t really have words, it does all genres well but jazz is incredible.
Oh and I now have a liking for Scandinavian jazz along with the ECM label “ I blame those same buggers”
Anyway what a great thing the old fruit box is, wonder if there’s anything special for the 50th?

[Wenge1]

.
Sounds like you had a great trip to see Peter. I have re-read your post but I'm not totally clear on what you have upgraded your deck with. Is it the Karousel, is it the Urika or is it both. C'mon spill the beans and come clean .....

[Coyote Jim]

Hi guys and girls
I have been to see the maestro himself, Mr Swain.
This time to have the long awaited Karousel bearing fitted and at the same time a Urika 1 phono stage.

Congrats Mike
The old fruit box has had a heart transplant and is now brand new and raring to go.
I’m delighted that you chose the analogue Urika to keep the consistency of of the Vinyl replay it’s a fine stage.
Too much these days in the digital world people are obsessed by infinite numbers where in the real world technical specs don’t reflect what we hear.
The Urika was designed with a broad tolerance for mostly the Linn range of carts so easily does justice to similar spec cart of different manufacturers.
Peter does a marvellous and meticulous setup so you can be sure it’s at its best.
The Karousel is such a game changer straight away that with the improvements you’ve got then might not notice too much it’s getting better with a run in.
First time I cued up after fitting I thought I had the mute button pressed until……..
Well done and enjoy.

[Mr Onion]

Enjoy your new LP12

[evil_C]

First time I cued up after fitting I thought I had the mute button pressed until……..

Haha! That sums it up pretty well!

[On the vinyl]

Funny enough I had to do a double take at the mute button
I can confirm that I had a Urika 1 fitted at the same time, something I don’t usually do as it’s difficult to hear what’s doing what, bit like race cars, never adjust more than one thing at a time!
Have to agree with Jim analogue is quite important to me especially as jazz is my new go to genre.
Actually, on the phono stage, has or is anyone using anything other than linn cartridges on their LP12’s and Urika as mine must be getting near its best before date and would be good to get some info for when the time comes, man that’s gonna be expensive!!
I’m gonna be on it again today, got a new love for Pat Metheny

[Mr Onion]

Dynavector DVXX running into my Urika here. Its got maybe a years wear left on it and I am not sure where I will be going next. My thinking is (funds allowing) is a RadK and a new DVXX

[Coyote Jim]

Tricky choice and a very personal one.
I won’t go into Krystal controversy but I’d not go there ever again.
For a similar expense to that “ although trade in might be a factor or sell on “
A great all round cart is a Dynavector XX2 MKII is very well rated.
I’ve never compared and always tried to keep a Linn cart in synergy with all else including now Kandid but it’s a big leap in expense from Krystal even with trade in so my choice to keep that neutral and very detailed edge the Kandid has would be to look at the Lyra Delos.
It’s easy spending someone else’s money but has to be well thought out as it’s you’re value for money enjoyment through a wear and tear consumable item you might want to think about.
Good luck.

[On the vinyl]

Yeah your right can be a personal thing but to be honest most of the cartridges I own all do things very well some better than others and of course need to be in sync with the arm, also I think it needs to be a good allrounder which I think the krystal does fairly well, having said that I wonder how long the krystal will be in the linn line up now there is additions to the range.
Never tried a Lyra or for that matter heard one and good things are said about them, do love a Dynavector and also Benz then there are the new AT’s and I’ve heard a Zyx recently and really liked that.
I do feel slightly vulgar talking about cartridges costing the price of a car when the world is in a bad place.
Cheers Mike

[Coyote Jim]

Never tried a Lyra or for that matter heard one and good things are said about them,

If you’ve heard a Kandid you’ve heard a Lyra they make them for Linn.
Without going into too much detail the Kleos is very like a Kandid but with two mounting screws and pins instead of fly leads.

[On the vinyl]

Oh I see, cheers Jim
So is the Kleos a Kandid without leads, just to be sure?

[Coyote Jim]

Oh I see, cheers Jim
So is the Kleos a Kandid without leads, just to be sure?

They do seem remarkably similar.
The body top style and mounting arrangement is different too.

[evil_C]

When I bought my Kandid I had a demo against the Lyra Kleos and found the Kandid to be a more refined performer, more balanced across the spectrum. However, it is possible that I might have been influenced by my wallet - the Karousel came free with it as a special promotional offer!

[Coyote Jim]

When I bought my Kandid I had a demo against the Lyra Kleos and found the Kandid to be a more refined performer, more balanced across the spectrum. However, it is possible that I might have been influenced by my wallet - the Karousel came free with it as a special promotional offer!

[On the vinyl]

Not entirely sure how to reply to an earlier post so I’m not ignoring you Clive.
But yeah as always we are all trying to get the best buck for our money so I think I would have done the same, would’ve loved a free Karousel!!

[evil_C]

It was the introductory offer for the Karousel - spend a mere (!!) £3k on Linn products, get a free Karousel. At that time the Kandid was £3,210, so it qualified. Besides, I’d never been particularly satisfied with the Krystal, so I sort of justified it to myself. Looking at your LP12 build, I’d say the Kandid is the logical choice, but it’s gone up massively since I got mine, probably a marketing decision by Linn to differentiate it from the Kendo.

[On the vinyl]

Yeah
The money is greater the more you go up the ladder that’s for sure and as I said in my original post I wasn’t exactly sure if it would be worth it ( I think that’s what I’m trying to say).
But the truth is there is always an improvement which always asks the question “but what if”? And will I ever be satisfied with what I have?
As for the cartridge, may my Krystal last forever.
Probably best to start a cartridge pot now!

[Wenge1]

has or is anyone using anything other than linn cartridges on their LP12’s and Urika

.
I currently run a Lyra Atlas into my Urika with stunning results. I'm not for one minute saying that that particular Lyra cart will be suitable for you but I use it as an example of Lyra carts working well with an LP12. Also for your info is that awhile back I did use a Lyra Delos and I was very taken with that Lyra cart as well. Carts can be a very personal choice. Were lucky here that Peter can do very informative cart demos and with him being a Lyra, Dynavector, A.T. and Hana as well as a Linn dealer he offers a lot of choice.

[evil_C]

I think Red Chris of this parish uses (or used to use) a Lyra Kleos SL on his LP12, when he was using a Naim Audio Aro and, I think, a Urika 1.

[Wenge1]

I think Red Chris of this parish uses (or used to use) a Lyra Kleos SL on his LP12, when he was using a Naim Audio Aro and, I think, a Urika 1.

He did and maybe does still use the Kleos SL very successfully. I actually heard it on his LP12 at one of the Kabin get togethers that used to happen a few years ago ........

[On the vinyl]

Thanks guys
Without looking it up, where would one start in the Lyra range and what would it cost to own one?
I know you guys listen to a broad range of music so that’s encouraging.

[Coyote Jim]

Between around £1100-£1300.
Starter.

[On the vinyl]

Oooo I’ll have two then.
But where would this be in comparison with a Krystal?
One fears I would have to spend large to better the Krystal!!

[Coyote Jim]

Krystal is more expensive than a Delos now £1400 or you get another Krystal with a £250 trade in.
It’s hard to give an opinion without offending.
Some might say you could spend far less to better it.
Have a listen to the alternatives it’s the fairest way.

[Wenge1]

.
I agree with Jim; you need to take a listen. I don't think you have to spend loads to better the Krystal at all. But the only way you can tell is to go back to Cymbiosis having arranged a cart demo with Peter. Of course, there is no reason why you can't contact Peter beforehand to see what he thinks ........