Btw, Micro-Ridge´s ridges literally wear out surprisingly fast. In fact, the sound starts to loose dynamics and nuances (detail) after 500 hours play, even on clean records IME. I noticed this more than thirty years ago using SHURE´s Micro-Ridge carts. Micro-Ridge may very well be the finest stylus profile resulting in best sound but you will need replacement stylii to maintain this quality level and if you care for your records.
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.
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.
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- 129 posts total
This Karat Nova 13D is seriously a rare find: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/1443678 The very finest from Dynavector IMO. However, I´m not interested because of its integrated headshell design. However, it can be used without its headshell as well. I think the cart itself alone is a superlative performer when fitted on an appropriate tonearm. Good luck for all ! |
That´s good news. If the ridge is much more thicker, it may last for 2000 h. I will study this very carefully. Actually elliptical lasts longer, i.e. maintain its functionality and thus its quality level longer than old Micro-Ridge because it has no ridge that wears out and changes sound quality dramatically. Elliptical loses its quality level more slowly, when correctly adjusted of course. But old Micro-Ridge lasts a short time (only 500 hours IME). Don´t take my word alone, Peter Ledermann of Soundsmith knows this (and some others too). |
- 129 posts total