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RE: Replacing DV Karat 17D2 - opinions wanted

Posted by tketcham on April 12, 2017 at 07:18:33:
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