Alternative suggestions, experiences and opinions please.

I upgraded from an Audiotechnica OC9 to a Dynavector 17D2 Karat, on an LP12/Cirkus/Lingo/Aro and the upgrade was amazing. I was lucky enough to go to a dealer who spent a lot of time setting up it for me and the results were definitely worth it. The main improvements I noticed, apart from more detail, was vocals, where the performers feelings really come across. Its not Dynavector's most expensive cartridge, but one has to consider the running hours too, given that the stylus/cartridge has a given life.

The rest of the system is 82/2xHiCap/250/SBL.

Happy listening.

Alan.

I have an identical LP12 set-up (less the M***), and 72/180. The 17D2 is an awesome cartridge for the price. The only real alternatives to it are some of the Lyra's (forget which models), but these are more expensive.

The 17d2 must rate as one of the best, if not the best in it's price range.

Simon

I have a spare set of these & thought that this could be my next cartridge.

Bob.

Cant remember what boards are in my 72. Will have to check. Will try and post later tonight, or tomorrow, which they are.

Simon

I went from K9 to 17D2 on a LP12/Ittok(Cirkus coming soon)/42.5/180. The Dynie is great value and does work well with K boards.
Is the "Infidelity" the one in Kingston? I went in for a new cartridge and came out with a Nap 180 as well! (Salesmen eh!)

I have recently loaned it to another forum participant who came to exactly the same conclusion. (Perhaps he can be persuaded to materialise and add his comments?)

DavidCh, please email me to hear something to your advantage.

Ross

I have a Dynavector 17D2 and think it is one of the worst cartridges I've heard - thin, bright, with no bass.

Ross,

I had no idea that it could sound like this. I've got a 10x4 at the moment & am fairly pleased with it. I thought I might treat myself to a 17D2 on the assumption that
it was similar but with _more_ bass, authority, weight etc.: Have you heard a 10x4 & if so did you find that on the lean side as well?

Anyone out there gone from a 10x4 to a 17D2, if so how was it for you?

Intrigued,

Bob

I'm afraid our friend Ross is again referring to his older and discontinued .15 mV model 17D2.
The earlier 17D2 was in fact the first DV I owned and I'll agree that it's particular design and low output put considerable (and perhaps unnecesary) demands on phono stages. That early model was maybe a bit 'narrow-minded' in it's design, as the DV phono stage used primarily in it's development utilized rather unique techniques to increase drawn voltage from the cartridge. Meaning- the early .15 mV version worked well with the DV phono stage, but could certainly sound a bit 'thin' and lacking in body with many other phono preamps. My own experience with the old model was never less than musical, but it certainly did lean more toward the quick and light side of things.

The current redesigned 17D2 was created to address these issues of combatibility. It's output is a bit higher, though the appearance of the cartridge and it's model name have not changed. As with most things, there are no universal recommendations. Though, fans of the 10X4 that have nice record players and phono preamps may find it worth their while to experience the latest Dynavector 'Karat' series cartridge.

Hope this helps to clarify things a bit.

Best,

Mike Pranka
Toffco

I have just taken a very similar step to yours, upgrading my 42.5/Hicap/110 with MM boards to a 82/Hicap/250 with MC boards. Rather than replace the boards on the 82 to suit my ageing K18 (LP12/Lingo/Ittok LVIII)I decided to splash out on a new cartridge. I ended up purchasing an Ortofon MC Rohmann (available for UK700 in Germany, where I was on holiday). While I cannot compare this cartridge to the other ones mentioned in the poll, I can tell you that this change has completely altered my listening habits. Whereas previously I tended to spin the silver discs on my CDX, in preference to the black plastic, now vinyl is clearly the superior source, and I find myself scanning the net for LPs rather than CDs.

You are of course correct that my 17D2 is the earlier model, which I should have mentioned.

Jens,

I can certainly second your recommendation of the Ortofon Rohmann. I am currently using one on my LP12/Ekos/Armageddon (having returned the Lyra Clavis Evolve to its box), and on balance I believe it's the best cartridge I have ever heard - smooth, liquid, sweet, dynamic, and tonally perfect. (This has also been complemented by the recent acquisition of a Michell Delphini phono stage, which is the most musical phono stage I've heard.)

Ross

Thanks for setting the record straight. That Ross is such a trouble-maker and just loves to stir things up by describing everything we like here as bright, thin and nasty. It's often so incomprehensible, some of us imagine that when he plays his "perfect" system a delightful thick and sweet elixir must dribble plentifully from the speakers.

Vuk.

quote:

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a delightful thick and sweet elixir must dribble plentifully

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Vuk,

Your imagery is disgusting.

Ross

quote:

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I have recently loaned it to another forum participant who came to exactly the same conclusion. (Perhaps he can be persuaded to materialise and add his comments?)

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It was me. The 17D2 was the earlier very, very low output version, to get the volume level about the same as my CD at 'quarter to' had the knob at about 'ten past'.

I can certainly see some very good traits in this cartridge, it tracks very well indeed, and has a mid and top that is remarkably clear and free of grain - all these areas are much better than my Lydian B. The problem is that it is remarkably bass shy. The bass note is clearly audible, but it has absolutely no weight or slam, this seems to have an effect on dynamics too, giving a small and thin sound when compared to my CD player.

If I could have the smoothness, tracking ability, and lack of grain of the 17D2 coupled with the dynamics, punch and incredible timing of the Lyra I would be happy, especially if I could afford what ever did it.

Tony.

Just to let you know I am using S boards with my 17d2, so not much help there as to whether it works with K boards.

As to the other comments, the dynavector does not have the heaviest bass around, but does have enough slam and is very tuneful at the bottom end, especially since I upgraded my Linn Index II's for IBL's.

Simon

I did the exact upgrade you are considering and it really is worth it. The 17D2 is a superb buy for the money. So good is it I bought another recently because I am saving for my ultimate cartridge and diidn't want to buy a anything less. My ultimate cartridge? The awesome music maker that is the Dynavector Dr. T of course! Mind you at £2500 it should be the ultimate.

Cheers

Jason

My Lydian is just a bit harsh and forward, and also emphasises surface noise a bit to much to be a good balance with my Kans. I am looking for a good (cheapish) cartridge that is warmer, smoother, and better at tracking than the Lydian B.

I am also very interested in the 20XL - anyone got any comments?

Tony.

The August '99 issue of HiFi+ contains a well balanced overview of the 17D2 model by Roy Gregory. There's also a comparison of 'old' 17D2 vs. the new.

mike

Tony

Listener found Lyra's to have the least amount of surface noise in a recent showdown. My experience with a Clavis as compared to an Exact certainly bears that out. Is the Lydian noiser than the Clavis? I've never compared them.

Bliemy, 2.5K for a cartridge, I should think it must be fantastic. At that price I don't think I could persuade Janet to go for it.

It sounds like the move up to a 17D2 worked well for you. Do you think it would be OK to use my K boards with it?

Best wishes,

Bob.

PS: Went for Hutter in the end. I'm over the moon with it. Thanks for all your kind input.