Dear Zb: I own the 23R and owned the 17DS and Nova 17D2, both an improvement over the 23R. On those times the latest and top of the line was the Nova 13D that was very expensive but where any one that had the opportunity to own it or heard it always told was just great.
Now, there is one option that could be fine for you: the Te Kaitora Rua, I only had the opportunity to heard it in a brief way so I can't for sure give you my opinion but for what I read over the net this cartridge is very good one too and near the XV-1 performance, you need to ask to owners of this Dyna model.
Btw, right now are two samples on sale here in Agon at good price.
Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
