I can't speak to all or older models of VDH cartridges, but a few months ago I replaced my Dynavector XX 2 MK II with a Van Den Hul MC-One Special. The Dynavector never seemed to sound "right" until it was nearly worn out, while the Van Den Hul sounded great from first play. It still sounds great and has ever so slightly improved (as would be expected) with ongoing use. It's also a bargain considering the price of cartridges these days. Highly recommended. If you're considering the Frog but think it too pricey, the MC-One Special may be the VDH for you. On another note, VDH uses a wooden box to protect the cartridge, which proved its worth when I witnessed the UPS driver toss the item toward my garage door during delivery, landing with a loud thump! I immediately complained to the driver and opened the package while he watched. I was surprised to find the cartridge in a wooden box, suspended on a lightweight plastic insert, and in perfect condition. The box saved my cartridge and perhaps that driver's job.
What Are The Differences Between The Vandenhul Cartridge Families
It seems like VDH had an abrupt departure in his cartridge designs awhile back. There were the metal body ones like the Grasshopper and other types, and then all of a sudden the open architecture of the Stradivarius cartridges appeared. Seems like the specifications also indicate a fundamental shift in design philosophy also. Yet I believe there is one hold over, or at least the silver and gold versions of the Grasshopper stayed around longer than the other ones.
Does anyone know what changed, and what the corresponding differences in presentation might be? I was looking at 3 of the Frog series cartridges available here on Audiogon.
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- 11 posts total
- 11 posts total