Dynavector Karat or Grado Statement Reference 1


I have been using Dynavector's 17D3 MkII on my VPI Classic TT (w/Krell, amp,pre,ref phono-B&W 802N) but have read the Grado is very musical in the midrange without loss in the high or low frequency. I read Harry of VPI swears by the Sonata but I would be willing to spend double possibly for my system. The Dynavector is a $1K acrtridge with great sound and reviews. Would The Grado be an improvement or am I possibly taking step backward?
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I am always very unimpressed when the best thing you can say about anything in our hobby is that amorphous ameoba of a descriptor, called musical. I would avoid it based on that alone. For crying out tears, when you play a music record, what you hear better be music, and the equipment that made it possible is then, by any measure, musical. Therefore I would look for more useful descriptive terms before making a decision on trying a new expensive cartridge.
I like my Dynevector for the following reasons. In my system it plays the whole frequecy range well and in the tonal balance that it was meant to. It has clear sharply demarcated attack when called for and lingering decay when thats what it is asked of it. It is stunningly dynamic going from dead silence to high SPLs very quickly. It appears to add no coloration i.e. the tone is fairly neutral allowing the rest of my gear to have more of an impact in that regard. It reproduces the micro dynamics and fine details particularily well.
I own a much less MM grado which I won't describe to be fair because they are not comparable.
Are you happy with the Dynavector? That's the question you should be asking. If you want to try the Grado - which throughout the line is noted for outstanding midrange and lush bass, go for it. You will have no problem selling the loser in your competition - they are both well regarded cartridges and rarely last long on the used market. But, if you are really happy with the Dynavector, use the money to buy some music! Best of luck in your quest.
I know the term musical is used loosely but I was interpreting it as more involving to draw you in. I am really very happy with the Dynavector and have been at that level for a few years now. I agree it will do most everything correctly for my system and I have been buying and listening to quite a few albums lately so I was questioning if I might find a jewel in the rough by trying the Grado's. I love deep bass and dynamics with impact galore and that shows in my choice of my Krell/B&W system. I read one review where they thought the Grado Statement 1 $3K outperformed the Dynavector XV-1S and Koetsu Rosewood Signature so I thought why not give the Grado's a try again. I really don't have the extra money but if it will better the Karat then I would for the coming winter months of enjoyment. I realize that I could probably resell it if it was not my cup of tea but thought I should ask here first. Thanks to the previous two posts for the great advice.
Is the Grado known to have the hum issue with VPI's or in general due to lack of isolation? I didn't know the Dynavector's were beter isolated but it is looking like I will just be content and keep using it.