Thus I can't help myself, but get the Tamino switched for a second time within an hour. Installed to the Transrotor arm again, it sends its signals through the arm's internal wiring, which isn't adequately burnt-in either, to the five-pin socket, where the ForceLine cable takes over to connect to Einstein's phono stage: Already with the first tones of  "Buck Dance" it becomes clear that the one or other spatial information and a bit of airiness have got stuck in the almost new phono cable of the TRA 9. The TRA depicts Dick Schory's percussion ensemble just as finely detailed as The Tonearm and lets it perform on a similarly spacious stage. This is really impressive - especially when you consider that the TRA 9 retails for only a little more than half of Einstein's twelve-inch counterpart!

I very much would like to make myself comfortable in the listening room with a few old and some not yet heard records. But then one might think that the TRA 9 solely harmonizes with the company's own cartridge. Therefore, I will refrain from any further aural enjoyment for the time being and install the Lyra ETNA into the Räke tonearm. Except for adjusting the overhang with the Dennesen protractor, this is a matter of minutes. I am already looking forward to the prospective delivery of the bridge to mark the tonearm's pivot point. This should finally make the TRA 9 one of the few tonearms that allow for an decidedly easy and quick adjustment.

Weight, needle compliance and tracking force - I really do achieve the recommended 1.72 grams here! - do not present the TRA 9 with the slightest problem. And after playing two record sides the ETNA has awakened from its deep sleep and performs just as convincingly as the Tamino. The ETNA is characterized by its tremendous vibrancy and enthusiasm, the Tamino by its enormous tonal colorfulness and authority: I can't reach a decision here, like I can't between a tangy winegrower's sparkling wine or a full-bodied red wine. It's nice when you can have both, depending on your personal mood. The TRA 9 doesn't remotely force you to commit yourself to one or the other.