My first mc cartridge was a Dynavector 20B bought in 1977 from Lyric HiFi in NYC. Cost $240. I used it on my Empire 698 TT. Used it for about 6 months and then sold both TT and cartridge to a friend of mine (his first TT!).
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.
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.
132 responses Add your response
Amongst the classic Dynavector LOMC i see not only 23RS Rubby (Micro Ridge), but also 17DS Diamond (Micro Ridge). For some reason they call it "REACH" profile. Obviously the "S" models are very rare and much more refined as i can read from the manual: "The Karat 23RS MR phono cartridge from Dynavector Systems, Ltd., is a further developed version of the original low-output, moving coil designs first introduced by the Japanese audio company with its DV Karat and Ruby models in 1979. The more evolved 23RS MR improved on this approach with new features designed to produce minimum dispersion, widest frequency response, and more superior tracking ability at a reasonable price. It's solid, tapered ruby cantilever provides better tracking at lower moving mass than the conventional 23R model. Iits uniquely shaped Micro Reach stylus maintains the same contact radius with a record's grooves over long playing times, with no change. The resulting sound reproduction is characterized by extremely high definition and wide dynamic range coupled with low distortion." Ruby and Diamond cantilevers are very attracvtive and Micro Ridge stylus is so complicated and it has the longest life up to 2000 hrs or even more. I'm wondering what is the advantages of super short pure diamond cantilever of 17DS MR compared to slightly longer Ruby cantilever of 23RS MR ? Has anyone compared both models? |
My first LOMC was a Karat 23 back in 1981 and it opened a whole new world for me. I wore it out and did the factory re-tip program (basically a 50% credit against a new cartridge). Wore that one out too and got the 23 RS, then later a RS MR. Life happened while I had that one, and it ended up lasting until I refurbished my entire system back in 2011. Another factory re-tip brought home a 17 D3. The process of installing that uncovered a bunch of issues in my Magnepan arm and attempting to repair those uncovered more issues in my table suspension. After getting a new Graham Phantom and my table rebuilt, I discovered that the Graham didn't have enough adjustability to get the correct tracking force on such a light cart without modification. That was VERY irritating, especially since I verified the Graham manual stated it had the range needed before plunking down $5K for it. I tried to work around with Blue Tack and other non-resonant materials to get a decent balance, but none of them seemed to be acoustically neutral and they were all fugly besides. I can say that the 17 D3 had an extended high frequency range compared to the 23 RS MR. That was pretty astounding considering the 23 test chart showed essentially flat response to over 100kHz. Bass was a bit tighter too, but didn't seem as natural. I chalked that up to the VTF work-arounds. In the process of yet another mount-dismount cycle trying to get everything just so, I discovered that the 17 D3 cantilever had cracked at the stylus: A perfect semi-elipse. Dynavector was very good about it and gave me another 50% re-tip credit, and this time I put it toward an XX2 Mk II. The extra mass made all the difference with the Graham and finally allowed everything to function as designed, which is magnificently indeed. The excellent customer service from DV, the natural and uncolored nature of the DV LOMC sound and the superior price-to-performance ratio have made a customer for life here. One day, I'd like to go to the XV-1S, but that needs other bits to create maximum synergy. Maybe if I win a lottery... That's my story anyway. Hope it gives you some detail you find useful. Happy listening! |
@bpoletti yep, i've seen many Karat Nova samples for sale in the past few years, but this time i'm not looking for headshell integrated versions. Our @dover made some nice posts about them, including those about Raul's re-cantilevered sample installed upside down in the original shell and listed for sale like that. Also this Karat Nova is overpriced all the time, the 23RS Ruby MR and 17DS Diamond MR both have better value even NOS. |
@chakster Thought I'd mention that cart in the context of your thread. I have heard some DVs that are quite good and some others that are... But that just proves that even in a single model of cart there can be variations in performance. Such is the nature of building such microscopic mechanical devices. :) |
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I have a Dynavector Karat 23R cartridge, and a Dynavector 6A silvered step-up transformer both of which I bought new, and neither of which has been used for 25 years. (The rest of the vinyl set up consisted of a SOTA ruby turntable and a Linn Ittok II tonearm). Perhaps I’ll try setting it up again some day. Or, perhaps not. |
bpoletti, I wasn't trying to be funny when I mentioned Raul. He has auditioned the 17 vs the 23; he wrote about it on the old big MM thread. On the other hand, I can imagine why you found it funny. I think Raul preferred the 23. As to all the alphabetical suffixes mentioned by Chakster et al (DS, MR, etc), I am not sure what they mean. What is the difference between the 17D3 and the 17DS, let alone the 17DS MR? My 17D3 has a micro-ridge styus, I think, which should merit an "MR" suffix. Also what is the difference between the 17 series and the 23 series? The latter do not seem to be marketed any longer. |
@lewm - "D" is for diamond cantilever, "R" is for ruby cantilever. - "MR" is for "Micro Reach" aka Micro Ridge stylus profile. - "S" is for special calibrated models as far as i know These applies to the classic models made up to the late 80s, the 17d2 is from 1988. Earlier models from the 70’s does not have Micro Ridge profiles, they are not special calibrated, i believe they are not as good as the "S" and "MR" upgraded versions. The "D3" and later models are modern Dynavector cartridges from the 90’s and later on. |
Andy Kim might know more; he retips cartridges, based in Seattle. I called him about a Koetsu Rosewood and Accuphase AC2. He was courteous and businesslike, but when I mentioned my 23R Karat, his entire tone changed — “Wow, you have a 23 Ruby? That’s a great cartridge.” Seems he’s a Dynavector fan, can’t hurt to drop him a line. I’m scant on details about mine. Chakster knows far more than I, yet even he has some blank areas. It was NOS, I’ve put only ±30 hours on it. Cantilever is the ruby prism, with a line-contact stylus. But “line-contact” seems to be a broad generic term, without the specificity of a branded design, such as VdH. I have two Fidelity Research models, both called line-contact, but the Dyna is very different, much skinnier — the shank is as thin as the Shure Micro-Ridge. Could it be the Micro-Reach, without saying so? The packaging is unclear; I think Dyna made many small changes but put them in older existing boxes with no change to the text. The 23R body clarifies little, it only has a tiny plaque on one side saying Dynavector, no “Karat” plaque as I’ve seen on some others. Could mean it’s an early model — or they ran out Karat plaques. I hope someone can shed a little more light. All I know is that I share much of Andy’s enthusiasm... |
Thanks for the clarification. I noticed that the 17 D3 is not listed on the Dynavector website as a current product. In fact the only cartridges listed under the moving coil section are the 20 X2 and the DV 1S and T models. Yet I think you can still buy a new 17 D3. And I think you can buy the Te katura Rua as well, at least. |
FWIW, there are two DV sites: Japan and the US distributor. US link here: http://www.dynavector-usa.com/dynavector_dynavector.html. The 17D3, TKR and others are all still available from the US operation although some may be NOS. I've found them very helpful and responsive over the years. Mike Pranko there might be a good source for background on some of the finer points of DV history. As I recall, the Karat 23 was the first iteration and always had a ruby cantilever and silver body, followed by 23R, 23RS and finally MR 23RS (I think that's how the nomenclature on the label went). The MR was the micro ridge edition. The Karat 17 was presented in a gold tone body with the diamond cantilever. I believe it went 17, 17D, 17D2 to the present 17D3. I loved my 23s and was disappointed I couldn't readily achieve the results I expected with the 17. I was very enamored of the short gemstone cantilever design. That said, things change and the XX2 I have now is definitely a superior product to the 23 or 17. |
If we will look at Dynavector catalog of cartridges we will not find anything with Ruby cantilever anymore. But the Diamond cantilever is still there on 17D3. "Its very short (1.7mm) solid diamond cantilever give a huge reduction in 'frequency dispersion', unmatched dynamics and a high frequency extension all the way up to 100kHz. The latest patented magnet circuit design increases the output to 0.3mV with crystal clear mid-range and treble even during the largest symphonic crescendos. The main change to the new Dynavector 17D3 is an improvement in the design of the front yoke. This appears, on the surface, to be a small difference yet contributes to a greatly improved overall performance justifying a model number change. The Dynavector Karat is notable for its gemstone cantilever. This 1.7mm long by 0.25mm diameter solid diamond cantilever has its 0.07 square mm stylus mounting hole precision cut by laser. The Micro Ridge Stylus of 0.07 square mm nude diamond is securely and accurately bonded to the cantilever. The armature of 0.9mm square and 0.4mm thick is much smaller than normal, upon which are wound 60 turns per channel of 12 micron fine wire." Specs for 17D3 in comparison of the specs for 17DS: Output Voltage: 0.3 mV /////// 0.2 mV (5 cm / sec 1 kHz) Channel Separation: 25 dB /////// 20 dB (1 kHz) Frequency response: 20 - 100,000Hz /////// 20 - 90,000Hz Compliance: 15 x 10-6 /////// 15 x 10-6 cm/dyn Tracking force: 1.8 - 2.2 grams /////// 1.7 - 2.0 grams DC resistance: 32Ω /////// 32Ω Cantilever: 1.7mm length, 0.25dia solid diamond //// .... ??? Stylus: Micro-Ridge .... /////// 0.08 × 3 mil Micro-Ridge Weight 5.8 g /////// 5.3 g |
Here is what i found using time machine on this forum about rare Dynavector 23RS and 17DS first quote from David's post in 2011: My first listen (about 1 hour) to the Dynavector DV-23RS last night.... this cartridge sounds clearly different to all the others I have tried. Much too early to get analytic about it - and I will test it thoroughly in due course... but there is definitely something to the short cantilever thing.... Other than the Decca, I don't believe I know of other short cantilever cartridges.... - David @dlaloum secong quote is from Raul's old post: 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. -Raul |
I own several Dynavector cartridges and also the DV-501 bi-axis tonearm. I currently have the DV-10x5, DV-23R (purchased as NOS) and the DV-17D2 and the DV-30C (re-tipped with an aluminum cantilever/spherical stylus). The 10x5 has a solid lively sound and enough output for a MM only phono pre. The 23R and the 17D2 both have a smooth and natural sound, with the 17D2 having better bass response. I've also owned plenty of other mid-range cartridges, but all things considered, I keep coming back to the 23R; it has a spaciousness and an ease that I prefer over the 17D2. It also tracks superbly at 1.6 grams in the 501 arm. I'd like to find a NOS 23RS to try. All my Dynavectors benefit in terms of dynamics and presentation from running through my Bob's Devices SUT, and are also a great match with the P75 phono preamp (I had the MkII version). |
Chakster, Thanks for digging up the old quote from Raul. It seems my recollection of his opinion was in error. You guys have stimulated me to mount up the 17D3 and compare it to my Audio Technica ART7. The two are in the same price range. In fact, because I have two DV505s, I can audition them side by side in the same type tonearm. |
I don't know about recent Dynavectors, but I owned the original Dyna Ruby and in a Syrinx PU-1 arm and Linn Sondek table, it made magic thru my Counterpoint SA-2 headamp and ARC amplification. On the other hand, I also had their first "20" high output cartridge briefly in my second system and didn't like it at all. Completely different sound, and not a great tracker. |
Thanks everybody. It looks like a nice Dynavector Fan Club here. I have a question: Will you accept (for example) rare DV 23RS MR in mint condition if the Ruby Cantilever is slightly off-centered? I’m not sure what to do, got the cartridge today from the postman, delivered from USA and supposed to be excellent with box and all the docs, but the cantilever is not perfectly centered :( (bad luck) Actually i have a few other cartridges with conventional long cantilevers, some of them are off-centered, but i can twist the cart in headshell and make it spot on with Feickert protractor. Unfortunately it’s not possible with every headshell, but it can be done with some headshells. However, i’m not happy that seller offerend me Dyna with cantilever turned to one side (and never mentioned this problem), i am a bit mad about it, i think i can return it for full refund. But it's a rare cartridge with Micro Ridge stylus, the overall package looks mint. |
Let’s wain till @lewm will check them out, because i do not have the ART-7 or ART-9 to compare and why should i concern about those ATs? You sold yours as far as i know, so the flavour of the month faded away. I like $500-700 cartridges (or let’s say under $1200 max), some of them are amazing and this is the right price tag for "normal" audiophiles. I am more happy to buy $700 cartridge every 3 month while i am searching for perfection, than spending $3k on the wrong LOMC once and then another 60% of that price for retip. In fact Stanton CS-100 WOS and Pioneer PC-1000 mkII moving magnet cartridges are so good in my system than i can’t remove them. Still unbeatable by any expensive LOMC imo. Lats night i have mounted DV 23RS MR (special calibrated with Micro Ridge stylus) and i was blown away, i was sceptical about it, but this cartridge is so fast, so dynamic, so real. It’s easily compete with FR-7f, but DV 23RS MR is mid-high compliance (at least 26cu @10Hz) and low mass cartridge for lighweigh tonearms (i would recommend for Technics tonearms). I am happy to join Dynavector fan club. P.S. My buddy @nandrik should try those Dyna, highly recommended |
Dear chakster, Your (rich) buddy Nandric recently purchased Allaerts MC 2 + Ikeda 9TT. He is now an poor ''buddy'' swearing not to buy any cart whatever. However promises to our self we usually neglect. But instead of those (very) short DV cantilevers I also own Ikeda 9 C which is without cantilever . To me as good as my beloved FR-7 fz. The only one which can seduce me is the 9 REX. Alas nowhere to find. |
Here is a nice interview with Dr Tominari of Dynavector Systems, who designed the first gemstone cantilever cartridge and later designed fabulous XV-1 and DRT XV-1. In this interview you will find more about Te-Kaitora cartridges, Karat Nova series and many more amazing products of that era. here is a bit from the interview: RG. The first Dynavector product I became aware of was the original Karat cartridge, with its solid ruby cantilever. Were you the first person to employ gemstone cantilevers? |
Chakster, you got a slightly off-centered cart off eBay or whatever? Then you were just lucky this time as you may have received a junk instead. Keep your slightly off-centered sample as you can adjust your headshell to its spot position. A few degrees off-centered cantilever does not mean a thing, at least IME. Don´t let it go without auditioning, I think it would sound just fine on your TA. Ah, now I see you have already tried it. Well done and good for you ! I´m very interested in those very short cantilevered Dynas and might purchase one some day. In fact, my SME III w/ its very light titanium-nitride arm wand will fit perfectly 23RS MR, very tempting to try one... And it will fit my Trans-Fi linear tracker perfectly too. Very interesting indeed |
Thinking about model numbers i just realized where it came from, how simple, just the magic of the numbers: DV-23r is for 2.3mm cantilever, DV-17d is for 1.7mm cantilever. Here is a picture of gemstone Ruby cantilever of my 23RS-MR under macro lens. Reading the manual i’ve noticed the "S" is for "Super" and applied to both 23 and 17 models with Micro Reach styli. @harold-not-the-barrel I thing so, but off-centered cantilevers are not for perfectionists, and when it comes to sales the price must be rediced for this reason, so i decided to ship it back to the seller. At least i know that 23RS-MR is a great cartridge after a demo of the perfect one from my mate. I wish i could find a perfect sample. This is definitely one of the carts that Technics GAE, G, GR owners should try on Technics tonearm! Also EPA-100 tonearm owners. P.S. Sending back my defective DV23RS MR i got NOS Klipsch MCZ-10 Ruby in. I think @nandric owned some of them, but not Ruby. There is a Diamond version too. They are designed by another legend Mr. Hiroaki Hibino for Paul Klipsch. |
@lewm Western world is not familiar what's going on in Japan, here is a prime example.
Dr Hibino also produced the same carts under his own brand name Zenn MCZ in Japan. In the 80's, Klipsch company designed a special moving coil cartridge with four models: - MCZ-2 (with special aluminum alloy cantilever) - MCZ-7 (with ultra stiff boron cantilever) - MCZ-10 (with pure ruby cantilever) - MCZ-110 (with pure diamond cantilever) and commissioned famous Hinoaki Hibino (from Hibino Electro Sound, Inc., Japan) with their manufacturing. Each Klipsch cartridge was handcrafted, made to precise specs and tested under direct supervision of Mr. Hibino. |
Dear chakster, The story I know is different. According to this story Prof. Hibino was very fond of Klipsch speakers but not satisfy with dynamic performance of the existing (MC) cartridges. So he designed his own. When he was in America he visited Klipsch and demonstrated to him his cart. Klipsch was so impressed that he ordered 4 kinds each with other cantilever kind. The idea being that with different cantilever different timbre can be achieved satisfying different subjective preferences. Later on Hibino established his own company and produced the same carts under his own brand ''Zenn''. I own ''Klipsch'' with aluminum cantilever. |
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Guys. This must be an Eastern European thing. I never ever heard of a Klipsch cartridge or a Zenn cartridge, either. Of course, I have led a sheltered life on the East Coast of the US. However, "MCZ" was the designation of a Grado cartridge model, back when the TLZ and XTZ were top of their line. I recall auditioning an MCZ in comparison to a TLZ. TLZ was so far superior that it was evident in 2 minutes of listening. Chakster, you keep quoting long passages, but you don't say where you found the quotes. If you would cite them, then perhaps I would be more impressed with their content. However, it's reassuring to know that the alu cantilever was "special", the boron cantilever was "extra stiff" (If only I could make such a claim), and the diamond cantilever was "pure". (I hope you guys know that, in our parlance, I am "pulling your chain", which means I am kidding. However, it is true that I never heard of Klipsch or Zenn cartridges.) Since my son makes his home in Tokyo, it behooves me to know about Dr Hibino. |
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@lewm Guys. This must be an Eastern European thing. I never ever heard of a Klipsch cartridge or a Zenn cartridge, either. Then it would be easier for you to check your DV-17D3 which must be great cartridge. If you can compare them side by side with ART-7 on DV tonearms it would be a great mini review. I am looking forward to read your opinion. |
Texter, doing what you suggested and then reporting on it sounds a lot like work. And I retired four months ago. I am loving every minute of retirement. However I may be curious enough myself to give it a shot. I was staring at my second DV505 tonearm last night and thinking that it would be easy to mount it on the slate plinth where my Lenco with DV505 #1 and ART7 reside. |
That was funny, but I think he won´t mind. Seriously, for me a texter is a writer and what a great writer he is. His approach to cartridges in particular is actually very scientific and usually he is right IMO because he uses his true HQ gear meticulously as tools which they actually are. We are all kinda scientists here but he often explains his opinions in a convincing way, for me at least. All given info and true quality pics is quite astonishing, this speaks only how seriously he takes this strange hobby of ours and carts especially. He is not always 100 % right but he is a serious audiophile because he seems to spend all his time on Hi-Fi. Wish I had that much time ! He seems to be an analog fan and that´s just refreshing in this darn perfect digital world we are now living in. He has become a significant and one of the most important contributors on vintage cartridges especially on MM kind and also is becoming on MC kind as we can see also in this new thread. Actually he carries the torch Raul used to do some years ago. And as now Raul praises digital as the only true kind it´s very enlightening to read Chakster´s comments on both vintage and modern cartridges here. Keep ´em coming |
I don't think it is good idea to praise chakster to much. He already thinks to know everything better. He is actually ''second Raul'' but we don't need an second Raul. The one we already have is more than sufficient. Chakster is moving to the more expensive stuff so we may get some interesting information from him in the future (grin). |
Thanks @harold-not-the-barrel for a kind words, i am glad my contribution on this forum is interesting for some people. I miss old days of the audiogon when we had a cartridge of the month over the years when i was only a reader of this forum. Now when we have "what's the best phono stage" threads every week from different users it's getting a bit boring. Also when cartridge recommendations comes to the same 3-5 modern models in every thread it is also boring. Luckily we have the world of vintage cartridges and i am trying to discover some hidden gems (at least for myself). I don't care about digital at all, you are right, my passion is vintage vinyl (original pressings). Appart from my short experience with KARAT 23RS MR from the 80's i was very impressed by this NOS Klipsch MCZ-10 i've bought recently. Both cartridges have Ruby cantilevers, but they are completely different. The Klipsch has push-pull damper, nude VITAL profiles diamond (i'd like to find more about this profile), Samarium-Cobalt magnet, Special Yoke ... Impedance is 2 Ohm, Output is 0.2mV, Recommended tracking force is 1.8g and the compliance is 10cu (it's a low compliance cartridge if this figure measured at 10Hz, no info in the manual). Since it was a sealed ( NOS) cartridge i need some time to mage judgement. But this is one of those MC that you love from the start, i use ZYX CPP-1 headamp and JLTi MM input and this is a pure magic, it could be a cart of the month and probably it will be. Not so long ago i bought NOS Lustre GST-801 toneam new in the box, this sample works just fine (magnetic tracking force, magnetic antiskating), much better than my previous sample of this arm which i sold. I am very positive about this Klipsch cartridge, love the silky bass, liquid midrange, and not overestimated highs. @nandric I have not exceeded my red line for cartridges or tonearms, everything fine, it is not more expensive for me, i love to keep on digging and sometimes i got my prize like some rare cartridge in NOS condition for reasonable price (what can be better). When we have many great cartridges it's hard to choose which one is better, because good cartridges are all good. This is became my problem, so it is more about how to use them (which arm, phono stage etc). Still a lot of things to learn and try. |
What I reject, is the notion that any cartridge that is no longer made, made with this or that exotic material in the cantilever, or has some unusual property or structure (magnet, coil, stylus shape) is therefore to be sought and probably sounds better than anything one can more easily acquire or which is more conventionally constructed.. I try to keep in mind that some things are rare, because they were originally a failure in the marketplace. I’m not saying that Chakster is any more guilty of this than any others of us. We all do it. |
Sure it would be very interesting to read his reviews on much more expensive carts, vintage MC kind and modern FC (of Soundsmith) kind and other "exotic" designs, in near future hopefully. That would be fun... Actually some time ago I was very interested in the Hyperion, the finest from Soundsmith, but I can get handful of vintage quality carts for its price so I suddenly lost interest. Still, I may very well try one in the future as it surely is one of the very finest cartridges ever. But I will never try Strain Gauge system no matter how much it possibly will be hyped. The point is he (and we others) keeps searching for greatest carts and hopefully not totally change his mind to digital, no matter how "perfect" it may eventually become. |
"What I reject, is the notion that any cartridge that is no longer made, made with this or that exotic material in the cantilever, or has some unusual property or structure (magnet, coil, stylus shape) is therefore to be sought and probably sounds better than anything one can more easily acquire or which is more conventionally constructed." I'd reject that too — but is that really the premise? Who has the "the notion that any cartridge that is no longer made, or has some..." etc "... probably sounds better..."? We just don't know. The only way to know is to hear it — it's a mystery and a gamble — but if an obscure and interesting cartridge shows up and ante is right, I'll take the chance. Some favorite cartridges, and other components, came to me that way. Forgive my edits and italics; I don't think they don't alter your meaning. |
