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Soundsmith VPI Zephyr vs. Dynavector 17D3??

I recently picked up a Zephyr for my VPI Traveler and while I do love it, its just not the sound im looking for. On my system, it sounds too analytical and just doesn't have that liveliness my 10x5 seemed to give me. Don't get me wrong, the Zephyr is a FAR better sounding cart than the 10x5 in nearly every area, but it just lacks that toe-tapping momentum (if that even makes sense)...

I wanted to get an opinion on how the Zephyr fairs when compared to a 17D3. My phono stage is an RSA F-117. I love the Dynavector sound and im beginning to think the 17D3 might be comparable in resolution to the Zephyr, but adding that liveliness im looking for.

Finally, i've also been thinking about the Dynavector XX2. Any thoughts on this as well?
telepop
telepop OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

For a while I thought it was a break in issue, but its been a good 50 hours or so. Granted that may be on the low end for a solid break in so ill give it another 20-30 hours to settle.

Im not new to this, but I haven't had a cart take this long to really shine. If you've used a Zephyr, how long did it take to sound its best?
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
My Zephyr sounded great out of the box and if it broke in further, it was rather subtle. Never heard a 17D3, but the Zephyr is a marked improvement over a 10X5 I had, which went on Ebay within a couple months after I bought it. Sounds like there may be a system mismatch somewhere. I'm using my Zephyr on a JMW 10.5i arm into an Aesthetix Rhea phonostage.
telepop OP
5 posts
 
Thanks Dopogue,

I was wondering too about a possible mismatch. I mounted the cart back on my arm and spent a lot of time trying to get it just right. The sound is already a little better, but its still missing that wow factor. Maybe its just the way they sound on my speakers (the weakest link right now). Im running Dynaudio BM5AmkII monitors.

Anyway, sounds like I just need to experiment some more or just sell it and move onto something else. Thanks again for everyones help.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I have no direct experience with SS, other than a cartridge repair they did for me. They did great work, and were a pleasure to deal with. SS and VPI arms are supposed to be very synergistic, so I doubt a there is a mismatch. I have heard the DV 17D3 and 20X2, Low output cartridges. I heard them on different occasions, and on different setups, so not a fair comparison. I preferred the 20X. It sounded more even handed, had more weight, and never offended.
bobsdevices
100 posts
 
Did you try setting your nighthawk to 47 k ohms with the Zephyr? You might want to also try the second and third lowest gain setting along with it.
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