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
I have a Karat with a ruby cantilever still in fine working condition! And competitive with today's expensive MC's!
Have been using Dynavectors for years... Currently using a XV1-s . Fantastic cartridges !
ATB,
Mark
Amongst the classic Dynavector LOMC i see not only 23RS Rubby (Micro Ridge), but also 17DS Diamond (Micro Ridge). For some reason they call it "REACH" profile. 

Obviously the "S" models are very rare and much more refined as i can read from the manual: 

"The Karat 23RS MR phono cartridge from Dynavector Systems, Ltd., is a further developed version of the original low-output, moving coil designs first introduced by the Japanese audio company with its DV Karat and Ruby models in 1979. The more evolved 23RS MR improved on this approach with new features designed to produce minimum dispersion, widest frequency response, and more superior tracking ability at a reasonable price. It's solid, tapered ruby cantilever provides better tracking at lower moving mass than the conventional 23R model. Iits uniquely shaped Micro Reach stylus maintains the same contact radius with a record's grooves over long playing times, with no change. The resulting sound reproduction is characterized by extremely high definition and wide dynamic range coupled with low distortion."    

Ruby and Diamond cantilevers are very attracvtive and Micro Ridge stylus is so complicated and it has the longest life up to 2000 hrs or even more. 

I'm wondering what is the advantages of super short pure diamond cantilever of 17DS MR compared to slightly longer Ruby cantilever of 23RS MR ? Has anyone compared both models? 


@chakster There's a Dynavector Karak Nova 13D in the cartridge section of the 'gon for sale listings.