Turntables, Arms & Cartridges

Following the Lyra tradition – after the Delos [HFN May '13] and Etna [HFN May '18] – this rigidly-constructed MC offers an almost ideal combination of extended response, low distortion, generator uniformity and secure tracking. Its 326µV output (re. 1kHz at 5cm/sec into 100ohm) is usefully higher than the rated 0.25mV while the channel balance is a fine 0.2dB and channel separation truly exceptional at ~40dB through the midrange. The response extends up beyond 30kHz, with the Kleos SL offering a tight ±1.0dB tolerance over a full 40Hz-7kHz (stereo cut) and with a treble lift reaching +4dB (right) and +2.1dB/20kHz (left) in our sample. The symmetry between lateral and vertical responses [see Graph 1, below] is good, despite some emphasis of central/mono detail, while the matching of lateral/vertical distortion [see Graph 2, below] is excellent and reflects the success of Lyra's 'New Angle' generator suspension. Incidentally, the high ~14% THD at 12kHz (re. –8dB re. 5cm/sec) simply reflects the Kleos SL's wide bandwidth as the 2nd harmonic occurs at 24kHz, etc.

In common with previous Lyra MCs, the Kleos SL tracks securely at a mere 1.75g downforce – assisted, in no small part, by a far 'softer' compliance than Lyra's 12cu specification might suggest. In practice, 25cu is closer to the mark, indicating that low/medium effective mass tonearms will be the preferred partners and, because Lyra's latest mechanism is very well controlled at resonance (a low Q +6dB), no extra damping is required. On test it sailed through the maximum 80µm groove pitch and cleared the +18dB test (315Hz lateral cut, re. 11.2μm) at a mere 0.7% THD. VTA, also, is bang on target at 22°. PM