Dynavector cartridges, old and new


For more than 40 years Dynavector has been producing very high quality moving coil cartridges in Japan. Sadly we don't have a dedicated Dynavector thread here on audiogon. It would be nice to collect info about some nice rare models in one topic. 


My first Dynavector was high output model, very attractive headshell integrated as one piece - Dynavector DV-30A was released in Japan 1 year before the Karat series and 4 years before the fabulous Karat Nova. The first high output Moving Coil Dynavector DV-30 series was the next generation of the Ultimo cartridges. The Ultimo’s were manufactured by Onlife Research Inc., which later became Dynavector. The 30-series was introduced in 1978 with 3 different models DV-30A & DV-30B (HOMC) and DV-30C (LOMC). Till the early 80s it was top of the line Dynavector models.... 

But then the KARAT was released with short Ruby and Diamond cantilevers (depends on the model). I've been looking for KARAT for a long time, i found the Dynavector KARAT 23RS special calibrated version with Micro Ridge stylus tip and prism Ruby cantilever. This particular model has been introduced in 1988 and claimed to be superior to the earlier generation of Karat carts. I'd like to seek more info about this rare cartridge, but very little info available online. Anyone can comment on Karat Ruby 23RS mkI (not mkII) ?  

I know some mebers are enjoing the more expensive Karat Nova series, XV-1, XX-2, Te Kaitora Rua etc 

Modern Dynavector site is: http://www.dynavector.com/ 

But the rare models can be found here
 

  
128x128chakster

Just received the Dynavector DV-20X2 Low Output and I am thrilled with it.

Does anyone know what the Hours are for Break In?

I too found the LP12/Ittok 'mediocre'. But I tried the Ittok on other tables (including Oracle Delphi II) and it excelled. The LP12 was the weak partner IMO. I still use an Ittok 25 years later for certain MCs. 
Dynavector Ruby was the best cartridge I owned until the Accuphase AC-2.  Superbly natural .... find one in good shape today and you have a keeper.
@harrylavo Dynavector made several versions of KARAT Ruby, the better version have "MicroReach" stylus profile, the older version has just an Elliptical stylus. 

Same about Karat Diamond, the better versions are all have MicroReach and MicroRidge diamonds. 

I think this is a huge advantage over the old versions, because the life-span of Elliptical stylus is too short, but the MicroReach (MicroRidge) can be used for 1500-2000 hrs max.