Dynavector Karat 17D2 MKII vs. Lyra Dorian

My experience with the Dorian has been much more positive than the Dyna. The Dorian is a focused cart, though not totally detailed, and it is very well balanced. The Dyna seems a little mushy to me, and euphonious in the way the Benz's and Grado's are. I will say that it seemd as good as the $1000. Benz I've heard on a VPI - and VPI loves Dyna's and recommends them for their tables. A UK company says on their website that the Notts have very good synergy with the Lyra's - the Notts have a very balanced presentation as well. Those who don't like the Lyra line so much say it sounds a little constipated.

I own a Dyna XX-2 and love it - it does all the things that people praise the Zyx range for but with more dynamic energy. I was all set to buy a 17D2 until I lucked out on a fantastic deal for the XX-2.

The 17D2 has a very clever design stylus and cantilever that track very accurately so detail is very good.

In my experience I have found the Lyras a little "thin" sounding although a Helikon worked well with an SME IV (which can be bass-heavy). My hunch is that the Lyras have been voiced to work with mellow, euphonius tube amplification.

I have the Dyna 17d2 with the VPI and it has good synergy. It leaves me not wanting to upgrade. The transient response on the cartridge if terrific. I haven't heard the Lyras enough to have an opinion.

Rob