Lyra Delos
A medium-weight, low-impedance moving coil phono cartridge designed by Jonathan Carr and built by hand in Japan.
Overview
The Lyra Delos is a moving coil (MC) phono cartridge positioned as one of Lyra’s entry-level models within their high-end lineup. Designed by Jonathan Carr and hand-built by Akiko Ishiyama and Yoshinori Mishima in Japan, the Delos features a skeletal body structure with an unusually shallow angle and an asymmetrical damping system. This design aims to optimize signal coil alignment during playback through pre-angled dampers that work in concert with the body’s geometry. Though priced lower than other Lyra cartridges, it remains a high-end component intended for critical analog listening.
Specifications
| Output level | 0.6 mV |
| Internal impedance | 8.2 Ω |
| Cartridge weight | 7.3 g without stylus cover |
| Compliance | Approx 12 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne at 100 Hz |
| Recommended tracking force | 1.7 – 1.8 g (17–18 mN) |
| Original MSRP | $2,495.00 |
| Designer | Jonathan Carr |
| Builder | Yoshinori Mishima (final build, testing), Akiko Ishiyama (primary build) |
| Type | Medium weight, medium compliance, low-impedance moving coil cartridge |
Design
The Lyra Delos features a skeletal body structure with an unusually shallow angle, paired with a unique asymmetrical damping system. The pre-angled dampers work in conjunction with the body's geometry so that, when tracking force is applied, the signal coils are optimally aligned. This design aims to improve tracking accuracy and signal coherence during LP playback.
Context
The Delos is one of Lyra’s entry-level moving coil cartridges, though it remains firmly in the high-end category. At $2,195, the Delos was Lyra's lowest-priced model in their lineup, offering a more accessible entry point to the brand’s hand-built, high-performance cartridge technology.
Market
The Lyra Delos has seen varied pricing in the used market, with listings ranging from $1,400 to over $2,000 depending on condition and availability. Factory-refurbished units have sold for $2,190, and current listings show prices around C$2,076 for low-use examples. It remains a sought-after cartridge among analog enthusiasts despite its relative position in Lyra’s range.
eBay Listings
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