Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: DYNAVECTOR 17D3 Phono Cartridge by Jack D II

Model:	17D3
Category:	Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price:	$795
Description:	LO MC
Manufacturer URL:	DYNAVECTOR
Model Picture:	View

Review by Jack D II on January 17, 2010 at 12:44:25
IP Address: 74.248.242.75 Add Your Review
for the 17D3

After many years of Sumiko Blupoint Special and a short spin with a Blackbird, I went for a Dynavector 17D3. I had to get a phonopreamp with 60 db gain and so bought a Nova Phenomena. This cartridge is very, very fast, very quick. The printout that came with it was flat-not tipped up at all. It's crispness, precision and neutrality really let the intention of the performers and engineer come through. It is not romantic or lush and not at all edgy or bright. In a aside in TAS, one of their writers suggested that it should not be used in lesser equipment. It has a man made diamond stylus that is short, SHORT so dont move the arm around except with the arm lift. My Nottingham 294 loves this thing. Use the sides of the cartridge and front to align it.

Product Weakness:	Cant see cantilever. Must be kept very clean.
Product Strengths:	Neutral, neutral and fast. Flat, crisp and revealing.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Marsh Sound Design A 400
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Conrad-Johnson CT 5
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Nottingham 294 w.294 arm
Speakers: Dunlavy SC IVs
Cables/Interconnects: Hero and Harmonic Tech Silway II
Music Used (Genre/Selections): jazz, classical, rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 1 x 1 x 7'8
Room Comments/Treatments: none
Time Period/Length of Audition: 10 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Shunyata and Monster 3500
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Marsh Sound Design A 400
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Conrad-Johnson CT 5
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Nottingham 294 w.294 arm
Speakers:	Dunlavy SC IVs
Cables/Interconnects:	Hero and Harmonic Tech Silway II
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, classical, rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	1 x 1 x 7'8
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	10 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Shunyata and Monster 3500
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner