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How Do Left & Right Brains Like AT ART9 vs Dynavectors 17D3, XX2, XX2mkII vs Ortofons

So I'm trying to decide on a new primary MC cart to be used with a newly acquired Technics EPA-250 arm on SP10mkII. Rest of my system is Sound Lab A3, Lamm hybrid amps, BAT line stage, Aqvox balanced phono stage. My point of reference is completely different, a now departed VPI TNT6HR, 12.7arm & van den Hul Colibri XGP.  Details here: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/133. I'll also have a Technics 205CII as a backup/alternative. 

My conundrum is partially a left-brain vs. right-brain thing. When I demo gear in a store, show, or friends place often the left-brain takes control; ears pointed up, analyzing details, mind focusing on pinpoint imaging etc. & I tend to notice all the things often mentioned in reviews. Home listening sometimes is similar, especially when actively trying to evaluate the sound of a pressing, a new component or adjustment, etc. This brain drinks lots of coffee. On the other hand, my right-brain drinks cabernet or single malt. It likes the lights low. In this relaxed state, the musical side of things should take over with rhythm, pitch and cohesiveness taking precedence. It seems that when I can chill in this state I get less hifi and more musical emotion. Perhaps this side of things is the key to long term satisfaction?

I hope to choose a cartridge that retains neutral timbre & dynamic capabilities that give me goosebumps and the ability to sense the depth of body and woodiness with cello or acoustic guitar, the sound emerging from within a 3D instrument not a flat space in the soundstage. Can I get this while still having a relaxed enough sound to feed the right-brain?
When I compare items like these cartridges, part of me craves plenty of detail, a strength of my previously owned Colibri and before that ZYX Airy3B. I know the Colibri can be a bit hot and ruthless on the treble perhaps a bit etched on imaging; like High Def TV when you wish you didn't see every pore on the newscaster's face. So I am trying to get away from that. But, if I choose one of the more laid back cartridges will I be missing enough transparency and the ability to focus on one instrument in the mix when I choose? 

Last night I had the privilege to demo both XX2 & ART9 in a friends' state of the art system including custom built audio room with Evolution Acoustics MM3s, Spectral electronics and a fully tricked out SL1200 with Transfi Terminator T3Pro arm with quickly switchable wands to allow cartridge A/B. XX2 is the top end or possibly over budget, so I am mentally trying to interpret it when considering 17D3 or even DV20X-L, as I don't have a chance to compare those directly. Both sounded excellent and I'm sure I could live with either, so I am probably splitting hairs. Nonetheless I'd like to get maximum satisfaction within budget and get something that makes me want to listen to "just one more album..." again & again.

So in this context, those of you who've heard more than one of the cartridges mentioned please share your experiences in terms of the strengths & weaknesses of each, especially over time for owners. I already read the threads from last year or two about the ART9. Ortofons like Jubilee, Kontrapunkt(s) are also of interest. 

Cheers,
Spencer
128x128sbank
hdm
1,056 posts
 
Yes, Spencer. Vinylengine uses the term output impedance; Dynavector uses the term "DC Resistance" in their specifications so you might find different wording on this spec depending on where you are looking. Most of the low output Dynas would be good as they seem to be 5 ohms.  

Particularly if you have the chance to audition different cartridges, it will be interesting to see how you fare with those with low internal impedance as the Aqvox, by most accounts, seems to be at its best and maximize cartridge performance with that kind of a design. That is my experience with it as well. 
hdm
1,056 posts
 
Correction: that should have read some the low output Dynas would be good as many have higher resistance/impedance as well. 
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
724 posts
 
Warning!  Dynavector dealer disclaimer ...

I've ignored a 17D3 I had in my stable for a while.  On Saturday, I pulled it out for a demo on an Artisan tonearm (a Jelco with a Discovery Cable Plus-4 interconnect).  The arm's effective mass is in the 13-14g range - a bit higher than you'd expect to work with the 17D3.

Typical of Dynavectors, I found the dynamic presentation to be most realistic when tracking at the lower end of it's recommended range - 1.85 to 1.87 grams.  Please don't believe Harry Pearson's recommendations of 2.5 grams for your Dynavectors.  Dynavector's recommended tracking force range (1.8 to 2.2) locates the coils in the middle of the flux field, and tracking higher than this compromises the motor. 

I scratched my head as to why I haven't demoed with this cartridge more.  It has the XV1s family sound, and doesn't give up nearly as much as you'd expect to its big brother.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design
sbank's avatar
sbank OP
3,378 posts
 
@thom_mackris Thanks for chiming in, Thom. Your products and your posts always fascinate. Your comment re: effective mass is interesting as my EPA-250 comes in at 14g too. A few have told me the 17D3 is a bit of the black sheep in the Dyna family perhaps a step closer to the VDH or ZYX with extra detail and less of the Dyna family rhythm. My interpretation of these comments leads me to conclude that the XX2 probably give most of the best attributes of the 17D3 and the DV20-L. 

With the XX2 at the top end of my budget, I decided to try a couple of vintage carts from a friend and learn from there. So I will start my SP10mkII adventures with a trio consisting of Satin 21B, Signet 111E the Technics EPC-205CII that comes with the table. It will be an interesting musical holiday season here. Cheers,
Spencer 

thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
724 posts
 
Hi @sbank (Spencer),

The XX2 is an interesting cartridge. I haven’t had it in my stable in quite some time, so please take these observations as but one data point.

My impressions of the XX2 were of a cartridge that came from a different design team than the majority of Dynavector cartridges, with it most resembling what you read about the Te Kaitora.

I should really revisit this cartridge, but my memory is of a slightly more polite, Benz-like quality in its presentation.

I agree about the 17d3 being a black sheep which gets overlooked.

One note about the 17D3 which may not be obvious. It has a composite body, so be gentle when you’re torquing it down.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design
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