Lyra Clavis MC Phonograph (orig ver. 1) cartridge in excellent condition in orig box w instructions

This listing is for a preowned fairly low use Lyra Clavis moving coil phonograph cartridge in excellent condition and guaranteed to work correctly, true hours are unknown but estimated to be approx 300. Used on a VPI turntable in conjunction with a VPI 3 stage chemical record cleaner for best wear and sound.

Lyra moving coil phono cartridges have always had that special place among analog mavens. This early Lyra Clavis, of which two other variants of the Clavis were produced, which were the Clavis DC and Clavis Evolve 99. This review will deal with the original Lyra Clavis from 1991 or 1992, not sure about date of issue or how long the original remained in production.

The Lyra Clavis can perform with its body attached or removed as evidenced by the photos. I have tried it both ways and later in the review I will comment on my findings with body on vs body removed.

When one moves into high end MC phono cartridges much is expected and over the top performance should be returned for the investment made. Lyra is one of a very few and select phono cartridge manufacturers that deliver the promise of a high end MC phono cartridge. Of course the turntable/tonearm configuration need to be up to the task of handling such a phono cartridge. But with the given that someone is looking for a MC phono cartridge in the price/performance ratio of a Lyra, it is assumed that their analog system is capable of such performance.

Milled from single piece of aircraft grade aluminum alloy. Linear twin magnets, cantilever directly anchored to main body structure & 6N copper coils.

The cantilever is made from Ceraloy, a proprietary aluminum alloy with a ceramic component mixed in.

For the coils we chose PC­OCC, large-crystal copper wire, which is the purest and most advanced copper material known today.

The diamond tip is an extremely well polished Ogura Jewel PA line-contact with the smallest (60 mikron) square shank availlable.

As mentioned earlier the Clavis can be used with the body on or removed. It was tested in both configurations. I preferred it with the body attached and that works best for me and adds a touch of security for me to use.

This was and remains one of high ends luxury moving coil phono cartridges. At it's opening price of $1,895.00 in 1991 set a standard that many other moving coil cartridges could not attain.

As far as the sonic signature of this cartridge, it is down right glorious in its presentation. Never harsh or overly analytical this is a cartridge that plays music with a solid verve and swagger that will mesmerize your senses. The way the Clavis subtley layers in the various musical intruments is magical. The depth and sound stage put forth is holographic in nature. Music just abounds from this performer.

The Lyra Clavis is nothing more or less than a mighty tour de force in the world of Moving Coil phono cartridges.

The equivalant of the Lyra Clavis today is the Lyra Helikon and the Lyra Skala. I have heard the Helikon and it is indeed superb. But in my opinion the Clavis holds it own in a straight ahead comparison, but not quite in the same leaque as the Skala. The Clavis remains a solid find.

Revised shipping policy as of September 20, 2017
Due to items lost or damaged in shipping, any item over $50.00 in cost will require delivery confirmation and insurance for the sale amount. It is unfortunate that this is necessary but experience has proven it is well worth the small extra cost. We apologize for this, but it is for the good of all involved.
TERMS:
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15% restocking fee on all returns unless defective or "not as described"
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