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

@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?

Dear @edgewear: Karats are at the mid of the top Dynavector  models. Since the XX1 the Dyna changed the cartridge motor with a new design: " Flux Damper " that certainly was an is atrue improvement in the quality level performance levels against all Karats, it is a new design.

So if you want to try Dyna then you need to go for the XV-1s. I owned the best Karat ever the 13 D ( two samples ) and the new Dyna design is really superior. There is no reason for you could not be satisfied with in case you buy it.

R.

Tanks for the advise, but I want to indulge myself in a history lesson first with one of the Karats. If that 'house' sound appeals to me I might consider going for their top contender. But never at retail price!

BTW, this XV-1S must also be a serious contender for the most ugly MC design known to mankind......