Lyra Dorian MC Phono cartridge

The Dorian is the first Lyra to use a Namiki cantilever/diamond system. The diamond stylus is a Namiki MicroRidge line-contact (2.5 x 75 micrometers profile). Like all other Lyra phono cartridges, the Dorian also is wound with 6 nines purity ”Stress Free” copper wire. However it has been equipped with 3 layers for a total impedance of 9.5 ohms which brings the output up to a healthy 0.6 mV (measured at 5.0 cm/sec). At the same time the suspension tuning has been set to allow for a relatively high trackability. The aim is to create a very lively and exciting sound, while still keeping the reknown Lyra sonic neutrality and honesty.

Also, like all Lyra cartridges, the Dorian is entirely hand-built. However, unlike other Lyra models, the initial assembly is not done by Yoshinori Mishima personally, but rather by a Lyra subcontractor (where a young female assembler with extraordinary dexterity (skill and ease in using the hands) has received special training by Mishima for this work). Only after the Dorian has been basically assembled, each lot of cartridges gets transferred to Mishima who will adjust while repeatedly listening to each sample under identical conditions as all other Lyra cartridges. Although the amount of ”voicing” (tuning) is less for the Dorian than for the more costly Lyra cartridges, we have still made sure it more than qualifies to carry the Lyra banner.

The Dorian has been designed and executed to be a great introduction to the Lyra range so it also invites to future upgrades to our more advanced models in coordination with other upgrades to the audiophile’s analog system. Lyra designer, Jonathan Carr, wanted the Dorian to provide a lively, energetic, but still sophisticated sound in a medium quality, cost-conscious  analog audio system. The Dorian has been designed for ease of setup. In other words, it will be easier for more audiophiles to extract a greater percentage of its performance potential.

An interesting result of this approach is that the Dorian’s performance potential is actually considerably higher than its price tag would suggest. If the quality of surrounding components (tone arm, turntable, phono-stage, line preamp, power amplifier, speakers etc.) are increased, the Dorian will continuously benefit, and it will hardly be the limiting factor of the system performance. The Dorian will compare well with MC cartridges retailing at many times its price tag.  Nevertheless will a higher quality, more revealing analog audio system with a greater level of resolution potential benefit from substituting the Dorian with a higher level Lyra cartridge.

TECHNICAL DATA

The Dorian doesn't have any polepieces. The only components that create the magnetic field are two symmetrical disc magnets. Therefore, the magnetic field is also completely symmetrical. This results in more accurate conversion of mechanical vibrations into electrical signals; in other words, lower distortion. This also allows the coils and cantilever to move more freely, leading to improved low level resolution and better tracking abilities, particularly at low vertical tracking forces.

The Dorian's body has been machined from a single piece of aluminum alloy for superior rigidity, then hard-anodized.

The front magnet carrier of the Dorian is non-magnetic and non-conductive. The shape of the Dorian body has also been designed to minimize the presence of conductive materials in the vicinity of the magnetic gap and signal generator coils. This construction prevents the formation of variable eddy currents that would otherwise interfere with the primary magnetic field and distort the signal generation process.

Both the cantilever assembly and interior body structures of the Dorian have been designed so that the cantilever mounts directly to the cartridge body. Intermediate mounting methods such as polepieces or subcarriers have been completely eliminated. This direct mounting system minimizes the number of mechanical joints between the cantilever and tonearm, and maximizes mechanical energy transfer away from the stylus and generator area. The end result is far less reflected mechanical energy, and therefore significantly reduced levels of distortion.

The signal output pins of the Dorian are plated with rhodium, a highly conductive material that is far more durable (and expensive) than gold.

The light weight of the Dorian (around 6.4 grams) means a reduced moment of inertia for many tonearms, leading to improved tracking performance.

The Dorian has been designed for ease of use. The body incorporates threaded M2.6 holes to make it easier to install the mounting screws. The total height of the Dorian is just under 17.9mm, while the distance from the center of the mounting screws to the stylus tip is 3/8 inch (9.525mm). Henceforth, all Lyra cartridges will be standardized with these height and mounting-screw-to-stylus dimensions.