 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
71.62.208.148
My D2 is about 15 yrs old and in need of replacement. A D3 will be about $1K with the trade-in. I really like the D2 - it replaced a 20XL and was clearly superior. So the questions are:
1) Should I have the D2 retipped by Soundsmith?
2) Get a D3?
3) What other cartridge at the 1K mark will sound better than the D3? I have an open mind and am not limited to MC.FWIW, I have two tables (a Linn LP Sondek and a Denon DP-55K). Both have Unitrac I tonearms.
I married the perfect woman. The downside is everything that goes wrong is my fault.
Edits: 04/11/17Follow Ups:
I had a Benz Glider SL retipped by Peter Ledermann of SoundSmith many years ago. I actually met him at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. Real nice guy. Here's a picture I took of him chatting it up with our own inmate John Elison.Peter Ledermann & John Elison 2010 RMAF
My Benz Glider SL with SoundSmith Ruby retip
KAB Modded Technics SL-1200mk2
Edits: 04/13/17 04/13/17 04/13/17 04/13/17
Hi, neolith,
I don't make suggestions much anymore because my hearing isn't what it used to be and I can't assess the sound/response of a components uppermost frequencies. That said, I really enjoyed my 17D3 for many years (replaced a 20XL) but when the time came to replace the 17D3 I went with an Audio-Technica ART9 LOMC cartridge. That was based on my experience with an AT33PTG and the favorable comments made of the ART9. Plus, the 17D3 was not a perfect match for my Gyro SE/SME 309; I had to tame some resonance issues by adding weight at the headshell. It worked well enough, but the ART9 easily tracks through difficult high energy passages that the 17D3 had trouble with.
Here's what I posted on an ongoing ART9 thread over at Audiogon.com:
"I can say that in comparing the Dynavector 17D3 to the ART9, I found that the tonal balance shifted from a slight emphasis in the lowest bass output (~80Hz and lower) to a more balanced bass output. I found that with the 17D3 I had to lower the volume levels on my subwoofers to keep the bass in correct balance with the upper bass and mid-range. With the ART9 I increased the volume levels of the subs a bit to have the correct balance. That and I noticed more control of the total range of bass frequencies with the ART9; there was a better rendition of acoustic bass guitar plucks, deep percussion drum thumps, and the full tone of electric bass guitar notes. The 17D3 wasn't quite as articulate."
So my new favorite cartridge is the ART9. It's not head and shoulders better than the 17D3 but I prefer the ART9 overall.
The other thing you might consider is that even if you replace the stylus/cantilever tip on your 17D2 the suspension may have seen better days. That's my perspective but there are advocates for keeping older cartridges in play and I can appreciate the merits of re-tipping. My 17D3 is only 7 years old so I'm debating on whether or not to have it re-tipped and setting it up on a spare headshell. For old times sake. '-)
Regards,
Tom
My vinyl rig has become secondary in my setup and I haven't listened to it in a couple years. In fact I have it in an unused audio rack covered up to keep the dust off. The last time I brought it out, I just used the DV-20XH or DL103R.
The 17D3 was one of my favorites when I was more active in vinyl. If you're interested in giving it a try, I'll let my 17D3 go for $450 + shipping. If you don't like it, you can return it and I'll refund your $450. You pay return shipping.
I can't say how many hours I have on it but it's not a lot as I have rotated between various cartridges and haven't been active in a couple years.
I'm not positive that I have the mounting hardware, box, paper, etc., but I'll look. I -think- I have them but might require a bit of digging through some boxes. Send me private email from my profile if you might be interested.
Abe, I may take you up on your offer. Lots of things to consider (such as using the D2 on my second table - currently a Grado Red with very low mileage), older stylus v new tip from SoundSmith (and D3 v D2), etc. Any chance you have a picture of the stylus? I have a cheap USB microscope but taking pictures of the D2/D3 is a real PITA - much easier with the Grado.
I married the perfect woman. The downside is everything that goes wrong is my fault.
Edits: 04/12/17 04/12/17
Sorry, this is about the best I can do w/o a macro lens. Looks like I do have the box, screws, documentation for the 17D3:
All the stuff
Stylus in good shape. Sorry I couldn't get any closer
Cantilever is straight
Red stylus protector. (head shell not included)
Don't want to step on any toes here but if the OP here does not want this cartridge, I would be happy to get if for $450 + shipping. I have payment ready to go, let me know if OP does not want it and you are still ineterested in selling it?
I AM interested in selling it as I have not used it in a few years and don't expect that I will need it. I plan to keep the DV-20XH "just in case" I get the itch to setup the TT again. ;-)
I'll give the OP a couple days to decide.
Best way to reach me is by sending email via my Asylum profile. I would need your contact info as well. Thanks.
The only screws I ever were able to use were the ones which came with the cart.
I never found ANY screws other than the OEM which would actually fit.
Perhaps the thread changed?. I use Soundsmith screws which provide an interesting look on the cartridge. Love the cartridge. $450 is a good price.
Time for more music.
Never had to look for OEM screws as I just kept the ones that came with the 17D3 cartridge, which are shown in the photos.
I know that this is not the classified section, but $450 is a very fair price and offered by a long standing member.
Yeah, I probably shouldn't have posted it here but thought I would jump in to give the OP another possible option. Thanks.
Looks pretty good, much better than my D2. I will get back to you once I have made up my mind. Thanks.
I married the perfect woman. The downside is everything that goes wrong is my fault.
Maybe later today on the stylus photo if I can get close enough. I don't have a USB microscope or macro lens.
Opus 33 1/3
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
