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Hi,I am considering trying out a new cartridge, hopefully bettering my enjoyment of vinyl. Right now my choices are down to two Dynavectors, the new 17D3 and the almost new XX-2 MK2.
My question is: How big is the difference between the two?
Obviously the XX-2 should be the better one, but I am trying to decide whether it is worth the extra money over the 17D3. Here in Denmark I would have to pay approximately 43% more for the XX-2 MK2 (approx. 933 vs. 1333 EUR).
My current cartridge is a Benz L2 which I haven't had for that long a time. Somehow it seems unsatisfying compared to my earlier Ortofon Kontrapunkt B, which was more fluent and musical. The Dynavectors have caught my attention due to popularity and what I have heard and read about them, but I have never heard them.
The rest of my systems consists of a Scheu DIY turntable (80 mm acrylic platter, spindle, DC motor, DIY plinth), Origin Live Illustrious Signature, Mantra-Sound PH10 MC RIAA (100 ohms), JJ-Electronics JJ828 KT88 valve amplifier and Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand speakers.
Follow Ups:
I had the 17D2MkII and it was one of the best Carts i have heard. If the bass is lightweight look to your setup or your table, its not the cartridges fault.You will need a very good MC phonostage with high gain to get all you can out of it. I haven't heard the bigger Dynavectors though but compared to what I have heard from Lyra, Transfiguration, and Ortofon the 17D2MkII is simply world class. It is dead nuts neutral as well (no rising top end). I would have kept mine but my tube phonostage was much happier with a higher output.
I stand by my findings, the 17d2 is tight but thin on a RB250 and
a RB600, compared to various Ortofons, Benz's, Grados, VDHs, etc.
I find it performs better on something like a SME309.The XX-2 is
simply a MUCH BETTER cartridge period. As for setup, I've learned
a thing or two over the past 30 years, in the area where I live,
lots of competitors send customers to me when they have queries about
turntable setups.
Yours truly,
Paul
Thank you for your comments.As another alternative I had an Ortofon Venice or Jubilee on my short list, simply because I liked my Kontrapunkt B so much, although it wasn't perfect. However, I am leaning towards Dynavector as they seem to be very well-liked all around, and it's always exciting to try something new.
At the moment XX-2 would be my choice, as it seems to be a considerable improvement to the already good 17Dx. I would also like to get a cartridge that clearly betters my Benz L2, and it seems that the XX2 could do that.
I guess my phono stage isn't known outside of my country. Here it is considered to be among the best, although not reaching the heights of LAMM etc.
I have some experience with 17d2 and XX-2 on a couple of Rega arms.
The 17d2's bass was too lightweight for my taste, the XX-2 is way
better, overall more neutral, tracks better. After about 30-40 hrs
burn-in, the slight upper midrange glare completely vanished!IME,
XX-2 is worth the extra $$$.
Hope this helps,
Paul
Hi Paul,Although the models are now upgraded I would like to think that Dynavector has only made them better, not totally different from its predecessor, so your comments do help, thank you.
I also have the opportunity of bying both the 17D2 and XX2 MK1 at half price, but sadly I am not an outdated products kind-of-guy :-)
My impression (from hearsay only) is that XX2 MK2 clearly betters its predecessor, so I guess that is also the case for the 17D3, having in mind that Dynavector seems to be a serious company.
So, this leaves me with deciding whether I want to put that much money into an XX2 MK2, and your comments nudge me that way. The XX2 should also be easier to install - the short cantilever on the 17Dx is said to be a PITA to set up.
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