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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
rmarston's avatar
rmarston
3 posts
 
I own several Dynavector cartridges and also the DV-501 bi-axis tonearm. I currently have the DV-10x5, DV-23R (purchased as NOS) and the DV-17D2 and the DV-30C (re-tipped with an aluminum cantilever/spherical stylus). The 10x5 has a solid lively sound and enough output for a MM only phono pre. The 23R and the 17D2 both have a smooth and natural sound, with the 17D2 having better bass response.
I've also owned plenty of other mid-range cartridges, but all things considered, I keep coming back to the 23R; it has a spaciousness and an ease that I prefer over the 17D2. It also tracks superbly at 1.6 grams in the 501 arm. I'd like to find a NOS 23RS to try.

All my Dynavectors benefit in terms of dynamics and presentation from running through my Bob's Devices SUT, and are also a great match with the P75 phono preamp (I had the MkII version).
lewm
6,770 posts
 
Chakster, Thanks for digging up the old quote from Raul.  It seems my recollection of his opinion was in error.  You guys have stimulated me to mount up the 17D3 and compare it to my Audio Technica ART7.  The two are in the same price range.  In fact, because I have two DV505s, I can audition them side by side in the same type tonearm.
harrylavo's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
harrylavo
118 posts
 
I don't know about recent Dynavectors, but I owned the original Dyna Ruby and in a Syrinx PU-1 arm and Linn Sondek  table, it made magic thru my Counterpoint SA-2 headamp and ARC amplification.

On the other hand, I also had their first "20" high output cartridge briefly in my second system and didn't like it at all.  Completely different sound, and not a great tracker.
slaw's avatar
slaw
5,785 posts
 
I’m currently on my second Karat D3.

That probably says more than I could try and explain.


@lewm,

I for one would appreciate your comparison of the Dyna to the ART 7.
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
2,482 posts
 
Thanks everybody. It looks like a nice Dynavector Fan Club here.

I have a question:
Will you accept (for example) rare DV 23RS MR in mint condition if the Ruby Cantilever is slightly off-centered? I’m not sure what to do, got the cartridge today from the postman, delivered from USA and supposed to be excellent with box and all the docs, but the cantilever is not perfectly centered :( (bad luck)

Actually i have a few other cartridges with conventional long cantilevers, some of them are off-centered, but i can twist the cart in headshell and make it spot on with Feickert protractor. Unfortunately it’s not possible with every headshell, but it can be done with some headshells.

However, i’m not happy that seller offerend me Dyna with cantilever turned to one side (and never mentioned this problem), i am a bit mad about it, i think i can return it for full refund. But it's a rare cartridge with Micro Ridge stylus, the overall package looks mint. 

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