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Moving coil cartridge

hello all,

It has been on my mind for the past 3 years. " I wonder if I should try out a moving coil cartridge" Well it seems that this itching is driving me crazy to the point of OCD'ing 24/7. I own a modest set up, nothing too fancy, a Marantz-Clear Audio TT15SE equipped with the wooden Virtuoso MM cartridge. I have to admit I love the rich and warmness that the Virtuoso provides and have other MM's such as the Orofon 2M black but prefer the Virtuoso because of the aforementioned attributes and its almost silent like operation. I digress, I must quench my thirst and put the MC debate to rest once and for all.

A local dealer in my area seems to like the Dynavector brand. They range from $650.00 to over 5K. I of course cannot afford much above $1,500 so I figured the new 20x2 HL and 17D3 would be a good starting point. One, does anyone know if this a good fit for the TT15SE? I ask this because the Ortofon 2M black which sounds great on my old Ariston rig, sounds very average on the Marantz. Two, of the 2 Dynavectors mentioned, the 17D3 being the more expensive units, would I be better of trying the lower end 20x2 unit first? From what I have read the 2 have totally different sonics and soundstage characteristics so i am not sure if the more expensive unit (ie 17D3) would be the right choice.
Any other suggestions for MC cartridges?
All feedback would be aprreciated.

Thanks
vinylmad814
vinylmad814 OP
59 posts
 
I think i am in agreement with DConsmack that at times you here an LP that sounds great than the next Lp which should sound good, sounds like what he stated "dogsh1t". As far as understanding each cartridges strengths and weaknesses is one thing and trying to find a perfect balance is very difficult especially if you really don't know until you actually are able to utilize the units on your own system or hear them somewhere and do a straight comparison. I have to admit I do not like over detailed sound as I find that in many instances,you have an over abundance of highs, and will hear a very shrilly sound characteristic that in my opinion is like fingers on a chalkboard. I have just heard this on a system utilizing Burmester equipment with a pair of the Monolothic Wilson Speakers. I will tell you that I was not at all impressed with the sound at all. We are talking about a 100k+ system. He was utilizing a LYRA MC and when he switched back to the other tonearm on his rig that was utilizing a less expensive 20 X2, it was Music to My EARS so to speak. I am still curious about th 17D3 and perhaps others in the pricerange such as the Benz Micro Glider S or the model up the Benze Micro Wood S. Hmm..will have to go back to my local guy and see if he can set up a Benz Micro. Thanks for the input fellow Vinylites : ) If you have anything more to add, please do so!!!!
dconsmack
37 posts
 
The Dynavector 17D3's bass response tests dead flat in a frequency sweep test from 1,000Hz-20Hz on the Ultimate Analogue Test LP through an EAR 324 phono stage (loaded at the 40 ohm internal step up transformer) through an Apogee Duet A/D converter.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Just passing on what I recall reading, which was that the 20xl and xx-2 had better bass. Better bass can be more than just frequency response. Check the reviews and other forum comments.
vinylmad814 OP
59 posts
 
yeah I have heard better Bass whatever that may be. I am not a big of big boomy Bass fan. I tend to go for a tighter bass. The lower frequencies are there and quite apparent but i would say that it is quicker and not so droney. This type of Bass translates well with Jazz Audiopile Jazz recordings i find. From what I have read the 17D3 may give this characteristic? ANyone know of the Benz Micro in this price range? ie the Glider, the Wood
dconsmack
37 posts
 
Does better bass mean more bass? I had a similar experience with the 17D3, thinking it was a touch lean in the bass. But my other cartridges tested a touch hotter in the bass (+1dB) when tested. That was enough to matter. Also, the 17D3 does sound tad bright when brand new. I almost returned mine, but after playing a few dozen records, it relaxed. And, it tracks amazingly. It's so fast on sibilant sounds due to the short cantilever. Really difficult grooves to track like a synthesizer's square wave are tracked accurately (I compared the waveform of a needle drop to the waveform to the CD of the same recording and the wave looked virtually identical. A needle drop with another cart that has a typical length cantilever "smeared" through the square wave). The 17D3 is the quietest cartridge I've ever used too, which is odd since it's output is so low. Mine is loaded through the 40Ω built-in step up transformer in the EAR 324 phono stage. No hum/noise at all.
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