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Dynavector Karat or Benz Micro Glider SL For Linn LP12

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Posted on June 29, 2015 at 17:30:09
Braxus
Audiophile

Posts: 926
Location: Fraser Valley
Joined: February 11, 2006
 Being I'm getting close to getting my Linn LP 12, I'm asking the shop to see if they can still get stock on the Benz Micro Glider SL or Dynavector Karat. Both carts are discontinued, but I'm hoping there is still left over stock somewhere. That said the Karat is a better match for the LP12, since the LP12 is a more sedate sounding table. Tonearm is the Ittok version 2.

But if you had to chose between these two carts, which one would you get? I know the sound is more sedate on the Glider, but it also has a more analog sound as well (warm).

 

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Dynavector Karat , posted on June 29, 2015 at 19:22:38
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15388
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 would be MY choice. the short cantilever is a plus imho. if you remember the ADC XLM, it had a very short cantilever like the Karat. i always had wanted a Karat 23R with the ruby cantilever but never pulled that trigger.
...regards...tr

 

The Dynavector. . . , posted on June 29, 2015 at 19:46:22
risabet
Audiophile

Posts: 3197
Location: SoCal
Joined: January 10, 2005
 but a properly tuned and tweaked LP-12 is NOT sedate sounding. Place it on a light, rigid table and teh LP-12 makes MUSIC.


Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

Adam Smith

 

Agreed: NOT sedate , posted on June 29, 2015 at 20:42:40
bruckner9
Audiophile

Posts: 1184
Location: So Cal
Joined: August 14, 2003
 totally agree with risabet...and not sure that i understand what Braxus means by 'sedate' with regard to the LP12?



 

RE: Agreed: NOT sedate , posted on June 29, 2015 at 21:12:18
Braxus
Audiophile

Posts: 926
Location: Fraser Valley
Joined: February 11, 2006
 I'll clarify. Not as dynamic as some more modern players, a warm fuzzy kind of sound that is very musical, and not the clearest top end.

 

Benz Micro Glider SL for me, posted on June 30, 2015 at 05:32:56
sjg
Audiophile

Posts: 738
Location: Boston
Joined: April 8, 2004
 Hi, I have a 90s era LP12/Cirkus bearing/Linto power supply with an Ekos arm and it really sings with the Benz Gliders, especially the latest version. The sound is robust -- not sedate. I know the Dynavector Karat and it is a lovely cartridge also. I think you can still order Glider SL cartridges but it takes about a year. If I could not get another Glider I might go for the Dynavector Karat.

Let us know what you decide and how you like it!

 

RE: Dynavector Karat or Benz Micro Glider SL For Linn LP12, posted on June 30, 2015 at 07:12:30
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 What arm are you using? What phono stage?

 

RE: Dynavector Karat or Benz Micro Glider SL For Linn LP12, posted on June 30, 2015 at 07:39:46
Braxus
Audiophile

Posts: 926
Location: Fraser Valley
Joined: February 11, 2006
 Arm is Ittok version 2. Phono stage is Classic Valve Design Solaris.

 

RE: Dynavector Karat, Benz Micro Glider SL, AT OC9/II or 33EV?, posted on June 30, 2015 at 07:59:13
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 That combo lends itself very well to an OC9/II. If you think there is brightness in your system, then an AT 33EV might be a better choice than the OC9/II.

IMO, both of the ATs will equal or outperform the Glider or Karat. And you can spend the rest of your money of source material.

 

+1, posted on June 30, 2015 at 08:28:29
Opus 33 1/3
Audiophile

Posts: 4184
Location: D.C. Area
Joined: February 19, 2014
 The Dyna is dynamic, transparent and just a touch on the warm side of neutral, like most Dyna LOMCs.





Opus 33 1/3

 

I've gone from the Linn Karma . . . , posted on June 30, 2015 at 10:10:18
risabet
Audiophile

Posts: 3197
Location: SoCal
Joined: January 10, 2005

to a Benz Ace, to a Dynavector XX2 mkII and once again the description you provide is not what I'm hearing with my LP-12. It is very dynamic, detailed and extended.

My table does have a CF subchassis and armboard; the motor has been moved to the front left corner; a custom heavier, taller plinth; an Origin Live 'Ultra'DC motor and controller; and the tonearm is damped with Herbie's damping rings.



Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

Adam Smith

 

RE: Dynavector Karat or Benz Micro Glider SL For Linn LP12, posted on June 30, 2015 at 11:22:52
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2993
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
 There is a new Karat on eBay now.

 

Is that a Budgie phono preamp? If so, how do you like it? /nt\, posted on July 1, 2015 at 03:44:08
Opus 33 1/3
Audiophile

Posts: 4184
Location: D.C. Area
Joined: February 19, 2014





Opus 33 1/3

 

RE: Dynavector Karat or Benz Micro Glider SL For Linn LP12, posted on July 1, 2015 at 04:50:37
Yeti42
Audiophile

Posts: 161
Location: Berkshire
Joined: July 12, 2010
 I've seen no evidence the Karat is discontinued, 17D3 is the current version and a V good match for the Linn.

 

RE: Is that a Budgie phono preamp? If so, how do you like it? /nt\, posted on July 1, 2015 at 14:24:59
risabet
Audiophile

Posts: 3197
Location: SoCal
Joined: January 10, 2005
 Yes it is and overall I'm very impressed with the performance. It is demonstrably better than the op-amp stage built-in to the preamp. With the Budgie Cinemax SUT the combo is dead quiet, very dynamic and has excellent timbre and great imaging.


Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

Adam Smith

 

33 vs 17D, posted on July 3, 2015 at 05:51:45
tketcham
Audiophile

Posts: 6701
Location: East of the 100th meridian USofA
Joined: March 21, 2005
Contributor
  Since: October 1, 2005
 Hi, BPoletti,
If the AT-33EV sounds anything close to the AT-33PTG (which I use), then in my opinion the DV-17D3 (on my main table) is the better cartridge.

The 17D3 is the superior cartridge if you're wanting a more lively sound with fast response, better low frequency bass control, and a more "airy" presentation. (Dynavector describes the highs frequencies as being crystal clear.) The mid-range is wonderful; vocals and acoustic instruments in particular, come across as very natural. And the cartridge doesn't lose it's composure during high energy passages, such as with brass instruments or loud electric guitar. The tonal balance is more evenly distributed than the 33PTG as well; the frequency response for the 17D3 is nearly flat, and it comes across that way. However, if the 33EV isn't anything like the 33PTG, then my comments are moot.

I really enjoy the AT-33PTG and think it was a steal at $350. But as the price of the AT-33 line of cartridges has crept up, I think there are other options worth considering. Still, the 33's are a deal when you consider price to performance.

In any case, the 17D3 a great match for tonearm/table combinations that are perceived as being on the "more sedate" side of neutral. It might work really well on the Linn as long as the tonearm can handle a lightweight cartridge.

Regards,
Tom

 

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