How To Turn A Dynavector Into A Grado

Received my PHT devices last night, Green Dream and Black Widow. I'm currently using a Dynavector 20X2H on a slightly modified RB 3000 arm. Following millercarbon's lead, I placed the green directly on top of the center of the cartridge through a hole in the headshell. That worked fine except oops...it was in there so snug, I realized that the only way to get it back out would be to take apart the cartridge. While trying to figure out some other option while looking through my shelves, I happened to notice my trusty can of compressed air. That did the trick and also led me on an early Easter Egg hunt. These things are incredibly small. Got lucky, found it about 30 seconds later laying green side up on top of one my A/C Master Couplers. Reinstalled it on top of the headshell, more to the front.

Now for the audio test. First, I should mention my sonic biases. I'm a Mullard long plate fan. Most of my preamp and small signal amp tubes are original 1950's Mullard long plates. To my ears, nothing else compares and I've tried most all of them. In addition I have a first generation Grado Sonata which I used for years on my old VPI, but decided not to install it on my Rega because of known hum issues with that brand. But all things being equal, I love the Grado house sound and could happily live with that forever.

Not gonna use all the flowery, audiophile terms; I'll leave that to the wordsmiths here who can do it so much better. The sound is full, rich, wide, and deep...just like the Mullards only more of it. The vocals, just the way I remember Grado, have lost any trace of sibilance. Very smooth and rich. But I do have to say, after enjoying the Dynavector for so long, that presentation might be a little too warm. I'm looking to add a little air back to the equation, a Dynavector Grado combo. So on to the Black Widow, etc. Should be a fun weekend.