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
@bpoletti yep, i've seen many Karat Nova samples for sale in the past few years, but this time i'm not looking for headshell integrated versions. Our @dover made some nice posts about them, including those about Raul's re-cantilevered sample installed upside down in the original shell and listed for sale like that.  

Also this Karat Nova is overpriced all the time, the 23RS Ruby MR and 17DS Diamond MR both have better value even NOS. 
@chakster Thought I'd mention that cart in the context of your thread.  I have heard some DVs that are quite good and some others that are...   But that just proves that even in a single model of cart there can be variations in performance.  Such is the nature of building such microscopic mechanical devices.  :)
I was given a very early Dynavector Ruby 23. I still have it and use it now and then. Sounds great.  All original.   
My daily use Dynavector is a modern 17D3.
I have a Dynavector Karat 23R cartridge, and a Dynavector 6A silvered step-up transformer both of which I bought new, and neither of which has been used for 25 years. (The rest of the vinyl set up consisted of a SOTA ruby turntable and a Linn Ittok II tonearm). Perhaps I’ll try setting it up again some day. Or, perhaps not.