Another favorite cartridge vanishes.. Dynavector 17D3. GONE! replaced..

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I guess I'm somewhat flattered in that you and all are following

actually - I saw the cat reference in the recent discussions section this morning (when perusing for Saturday morning funnies). If someone posts about a dog or cat I can't resist. Appears I missed the main bout (removed threads). So its not about you Slaw. 

Regarding the Dynavector. I have an XV1 and my cat finds its long cantilever "alluring". I find it "intimidating".

Should I replace it with a Decca..... .....

@rauliruegas 

Yes, you are correct. I found some pictures on the web that clearly show as much. Oh well, at least the stylus was polished by human hair....... (this Van den Dungen character sure had a weird sense of humor). But even refurbished with Van den Hul's selected tip on boron cantilever it still sounds amazing. For me listening to this cartridge delivers the proof that current top-of-the-line cartridges are not in a different universe as some people claim.

Dear @edgewear: "  the proof that current top-of-the-line cartridges are not in a different universe as some people claim. "

No, are not because the main cartridge design/build characteristics almost does not changed through the years. What changed are some of the cartridge build materials or stylus shape or body shapes and the like.

The past and today " universe " on cartridge is exactly the same but exist differences in between do to those changes I named here but the cartridge motor of your Kiseki is first rate and VDH makes good job about with latest cantilever/stylus. Good for you.

R.

@rauliruegas 

Which makes you wonder all the more why current top level cartridges have to cost in excess of 10k.

Now I'm aware that the Lapis would probably cost the same in today's money, but it is hardly the only vintage cartridge that is competitive with current systems.

I'm not yet familiar with any of the Dynavectors, but would like to try one. There are many different versions of the Karat, which makes it difficult to pick the best one. Based on your huge experience, which one(s) would you recommend?