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Dynavector cartridges, old and new

For more than 40 years Dynavector has been producing very high quality moving coil cartridges in Japan. Sadly we don't have a dedicated Dynavector thread here on audiogon. It would be nice to collect info about some nice rare models in one topic. 


My first Dynavector was high output model, very attractive headshell integrated as one piece - Dynavector DV-30A was released in Japan 1 year before the Karat series and 4 years before the fabulous Karat Nova. The first high output Moving Coil Dynavector DV-30 series was the next generation of the Ultimo cartridges. The Ultimo’s were manufactured by Onlife Research Inc., which later became Dynavector. The 30-series was introduced in 1978 with 3 different models DV-30A & DV-30B (HOMC) and DV-30C (LOMC). Till the early 80s it was top of the line Dynavector models.... 

But then the KARAT was released with short Ruby and Diamond cantilevers (depends on the model). I've been looking for KARAT for a long time, i found the Dynavector KARAT 23RS special calibrated version with Micro Ridge stylus tip and prism Ruby cantilever. This particular model has been introduced in 1988 and claimed to be superior to the earlier generation of Karat carts. I'd like to seek more info about this rare cartridge, but very little info available online. Anyone can comment on Karat Ruby 23RS mkI (not mkII) ?  

I know some mebers are enjoing the more expensive Karat Nova series, XV-1, XX-2, Te Kaitora Rua etc 

Modern Dynavector site is: http://www.dynavector.com/ 

But the rare models can be found here. 
 

  
128x128chakster
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

@chakster , I have no idea if Russian PayPal provide

warranty for items ''which are not as described'' but the

European  do. The only precondition is to pay via PayPal

for purchased items. Money transfer to family& friends are

not covered. The procedure is boring and annoying but

one get his money back. Actually this ''warranty'' is without

any risk for PayPal because the buyer money function

as warranty.

harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
Thanks for warning, I really appreciate your input and your honesty, your enthusiasm in so many ways here at A´gon.
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
thanks @harold-not-the-barrel

@nandric yes, my latest story with Dynavector (with slightly off-centered cantilever) ended up with refund via ebay/paypal, which i am still waiting. Paypal even covers return shipping, but anyway ... no problem with the seller of Dyna who's accepted return.

Normally i am getting mad when professional sellers trying to play a fools when it comes to cartridge defects they are trying to hide from the potential buyers. It is not forgiving for pro sellers, but the story with that japanese seller was at least 5-6 years ago and i was too naive. I was cheated at that time by several sellers, some of them are well known, but dishonest.
harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
Btw, Micro-Ridge´s ridges literally wear out surprisingly fast. In fact, the sound starts to loose dynamics and nuances (detail) after 500 hours play, even on clean records IME. I noticed this more than thirty years ago using SHURE´s Micro-Ridge carts. Micro-Ridge may very well be the finest stylus profile resulting in best sound but you will need replacement stylii to maintain this quality level and if you care for your records.

harold-not-the-barrel
895 posts
 
This Karat Nova 13D is seriously a rare find:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/1443678
The very finest from Dynavector IMO. However, I´m not interested because of its integrated headshell design. However, it can be used without its headshell as well. I think the cart itself alone is a superlative performer when fitted on an appropriate tonearm. Good luck for all !
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