Turntable Cartridge Lyra Kleos STEREO

Continuation of an Announced Success

Launched in early 2010, the Delos set new quality standards at a highly competitive price point. It has been a resounding success, and we would like to thank all our Retailers and their customers who are at the root of this achievement. The new orientation of the mobile coils pioneered by LYRA on the Delos, nicknamed “vinyl from a different angle,” has a significant impact on the cartridge’s tracking of the groove, producing a full, highly natural sound with a lot of substance. Lyra was proud to introduce this innovation on its entry-level cartridge, but we were also eager to hear the effects of this technological innovation on more advanced models!

The King is Dead, Long Live the King

… and the new Kleos has arrived. Its lineage is auspicious: the original Tsurugi (1976), Clavis (1991), Clavis DC (1995), Helikon (1999), and now the Kleos. As with the Helikon, in production for over 10 years, we are convinced that the Kleos will be among the most appreciated cartridges for many years to come.

The mass of the Kleos has been increased compared to the Helikon. Indeed, the main body of the Kleos is more massive than those of its predecessors. It is machined from duralumin and receives a satin silver surface treatment of the type used for some high-end cameras.

In addition to the new coil arrangement, Jonathan Carr has equipped the Kleos with a variable radius diamond (proprietary LYRA cut) to combine ideal group delay and ease of installation. As with Lyra’s high-end models, an Ogura (boron) cantilever is used.

No important aspect (but often “forgotten”), for the final sound, has been neglected. Thus, the energy transfer between the cartridge and the headshell has been the subject of an in-depth study and innovative solutions have been adopted.

The contact surface around the mounting holes is profiled to concentrate the contact force of the cartridge on the shell in order to improve energy transfer. Similarly, the connecting pins on the cartridge are specially designed to eliminate any resonance and they are force-fitted into the body of the cartridge to reduce the energy of standing waves that could interfere with the signal. These pins are plated in PLATINUM.

Listening

The sound of the Kleos will please both fans who will find the qualities they appreciate … and detractors of the Helikon. The speed and dynamics are naturally preserved, and the ability to create a precise, wide and deep image, which has made its reputation, is significantly improved.

The improvements made to this new cartridge are significant and they respond to the demands of Helikon users: tracking ability (due to the new coil alignment) and spectral balance are greatly improved. The better tracking provides a smoother presentation of the midrange and treble. The Kleos is extremely quiet. The lowering of the noise floor allows access to a simply extraordinary level of resolution. The overall result is a new spectral balance, slightly warmer. Not round and/or muffled, warmer. Less noise, more vinyl.

Continuing our evaluation of the Kleos (s/n 001), we sought the optimum tracking force. At 1.77 grams, we found the “sweet spot” in a totally obvious way. The reproduction became quieter and more dynamic to the point of sounding louder - instantly. Surprisingly easy! From there, adjusting the VTA is a pleasure.

Technical specifications