Dynavector Karat 17D3: retip for $500 or get something new?
I think I'm kinda late chiming in on this thread, but I only recently really *got* what @needlestein has been doing. After looking at the hundreds of pictures of his work he's posted on Instagram and the 1,100 positive feedback scores he's gotten on ebay I am thinking he's got some pretty solid skills. I expect to be sending one or more cartridges to him to be rebuilt. |
Couple thoughts. 1. I am a long - term 17D3 Karat owner And before this model came out I used the earlier versions in this line. It is a fabulous cartridge. I am assuming your re-tip will be done by Dynavector. I have recently watched a video somewhere on the 'net that shows a critique of "rebuilt" cartridges of dubious quality. I think a dynavector re-tip would be the only one i would trust. 2. Having said that, there are a lot of good cartridges out there. I can't say how they'll compare or whether you'll like them better. I can say I have three other cartridges that are not as good, but they are "Good enough" that I sometimes use them and derive music enjoyment from them. 3. Cost is always a factor. Contentment is, I think, a better target you shoot for than perfection. 4. One more thing. I recently put together a Garrard 401 turntable with 12" Jelco arm, but i installed a Riggle engineering VTAF (vertical tracking angle on the fly) which has enabled me to adjust VTA very easily. This experience had convinced me that, unless you are willing to play around with VTA you'll never really know what a cartridge is capable of. |
I’m not trying to pick a fight here but the comment above that the cartridge is bright or bass light is exactly what I would expect to hear if the VTA was off. I also thought it was bass light until I dialed it in. Now it is deep, thunderous, tuneful, controlled and superb. I can easily imagine someone comparing this cartridge to a less expensive one that is less sensitive to VTA and thinking that the cheaper cartridge has more bass. Yeah, if it’s set up wrong that would make a lot of sense. Consider that the replacement cartridge in the line lists for somewhere in the neighborhood of $2000. But, like I said, there are a lot of good cartridges out there. People rave about the Denon DL103, and it's much less expensive. |
