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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. 
 

  
128x128chakster
edgewear
543 posts
 
This thread made me curious to try one of the Dynavectors and I managed to pick up a Karat 23RS in 'as new' condition for 300 euros. Judging by its visual condition I seriously doubt it has ever been used, so it may need some playing time to settle. But actually it's one of those cartridges that sounds great straight out of the box. First impressions suggest it's very open, dynamic and 'alive', with unusually strong bass performance. The highs were a bit edgy in the first few hours, but this trait is already melting away.

So here's another great 'vintage' cartridge that in direct comparison could embarras some of those overpriced MC's in today's inflated market place. Recommended!


lewm
12,524 posts
 
It’s 6 months later. I am really really really going to mount my 17D3 in my new Yamamoto CF headshell and then install it on the same DV505 tonearm that now bears the ART7, TODAY. Honest.

After some break in time, I’ll report here on the comparison.
harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
Very interesting, we hardly can wait. The ART7 has very low output, 0.12 mV exactly the same as the Highphonic MC-R5 that I will compare to ART9 in near future after some break-in time...
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
Upgraded to DV KARAT 17D2 mkII recently, another Dynavector in collection. Any users of this beast ?

review on enjoythemusic
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
354 posts
 
I am a big Fan of Dynavector cartridges. I have owned my Linn LP12 /Ittok for close to 30 years. For several years I used the 10X4 models, but then when I bought a used Aro tonearm it came with a Karat (was it a Karat 19A mk II? I don't remember...) mounted on it. At first I thought the cartridge was just junk - the stylus was so tiny I couldn't see it - but I took it to work and looked at it under a microscope and was shocked to see the stylus there, looking fine. I mounted it and played it through a Linn Linto phono stage and that was it. I was hooked. This cartridge was eventually replaced with a 17D2 - I think I went through two of those - and now I'm using a 17D3. Still through the Linto, which has now been serviced. I have great respect for the Dynavectors and think they are excellent. However, I've never tried other cartridges and there are so many out there. I wouldn't know where to start if I wanted to switch brands.

For those of you who have previously enjoyed a 17D2 or 17D3 and moved on, I'm interested to hear what you've moved on to and how you think it compares. In many ways this hobby is difficult, because it's hard to imagine something better than what we have until you hear it... That's kind of where I am at. I know there is better stuff out there, but I'm pretty satisfied with the sound of my system.
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