Lyra Etna STEREO lambda

The new LYRA ETNA cartridge shares its name with the majestic volcano in Sicily. It is indeed impressive on more than one level, combining the latest innovations from LYRA’s phono cartridge designer Jonathan Carr with the proven principles developed for previous models.

The heart of the ETNA is made of solid titanium, but unlike the top-of-the-line Atlas (and previously the Titan-I), this central core is surrounded by an outer shell machined from highly polished, anodized aerospace-grade aluminum with an attractive black finish. The two pieces are press-fit together (no glue) with anti-resonance bars and through-holes for non-magnetic stainless steel screws. This approach is similar to that of the Skala but with much higher rigidity and mechanical damping characteristics. The advantage of this multi-material, multi-layer construction is that unlike using a single material, no repetitive sonic signature is perceptible; there is no permanent coloration disturbing the reproduction.

The construction of the ETNA employs an asymmetrical frame, different on the right and left sides. This proven construction concept was first used in the ATLAS. By offsetting the front magnet support so that it is not aligned with the cantilever, a direct path is created between the cantilever and the tonearm. Vibrations flow out quickly once converted to electrical signals, effectively suppressing any induced resonance that generates sonic coloration. LYRA remains the only cartridge manufacturer to mount the cantilever directly into the cartridge body, creating a totally rigid continuous connection between the cantilever and the shell. The cantilever itself is made of diamond-coated boron and equipped with a fine line contact diamond.

The ETNA retains the X-shaped coil arrangement first unveiled in the ATLAS. Compared to the traditional square arrangement, the X-shape allows each channel to work independently of the other, increasing the coherence of each channel’s reading while also improving channel separation due to reduced crosstalk.

Like the Delos, Kleos and Atlas, the ETNA uses the new “vinyl from a different angle” technology. The axis of the moving coils is tilted at rest so that they are perfectly aligned with the front and rear magnets during LP playback (the tracking force modifies the alignment of the cantilever). Thanks to this original arrangement, the moving coils move optimally in all directions and in a uniform magnetic field. Reading distortions are minimized.

• Output voltage: 0.56mV at 5cm/s
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz
• Channel separation: > 35 dB at 1 kHz
• Recommended tracking force: 1.72 g
• Recommended load for MC phono input: 104 Ω to 887 Ω