Karat 17d3 v apheta

[dudywoxer]

Just initial thoughts.
The dyna, with its very short cantilever is a absolute painin the rear to set up compared to the apheta. Having got it set up, its time tosit back and compare. I had the 17d3 loaded at 100 ohms initially, but prefer the overall balance at 200, (the differences are not huge but noticeable)
Tonal change is the first thing that hits you, the 17d is alittle fuller, and pushes vocals a little further forward into the mix. Theimage is a little wider as well, although not quite as tall. The depth is notquite as good as the apheta.
Speed and impact- its very much a trade off, the aphetagives drum strikes more initial impact, especially cymbals and high hats, butthe fuller tone of the dyna balances the overall sound and flow.
Its the same kind of thing with trumpet and sax, the leadingedge bite is more realistic on the apheta, and can at times be a bit too real.The dyna has bite, but not quite as much, but again the fuller tonal balancehas its compensations.

At the moment it is a case of win here, loose there, and I doubt that it will be a quick or easy choice to pick a ''winner''.

I need to live with the dyna for a while to build a betterpicture of its performance. I will however say that any one who has branded spendersas sleepy really has not heard the current range with either of these carts inthe driving seat.

The los is certainly showing that it is a very very goodphono stage, and certainly not a one trick pony designed to complement theapheta.

[The Strat]

I should imagine the differences really are in the margins Colin. Goes to show how we're spoilt for choice really.

[Lefty]

Thanks for posting up your thoughts. I'd be interested to hear which one you decide to stick with long term. (Unless the plan is to keep both - one as a spare)

Lefty

[dudywoxer]

The 17d was bought to suck and see basically, and if I like the sound to keep as a spare, or the otherway round of course. Having spent some time with the DV20x (H & L) the performance of the 17d has made me wonder about the DVXX2

[The Strat]

I think the XX2 has very considerably improved the performance of my TT over my Ortofon Candenza Red.

[Lefty]

Not had the pleasure of owning a DV XX2, but I did have an XX-1L not so long ago which was gorgeous.

Be warned though, the XX series of carts have a very different sound to the Karat series. (Darker and heavier sounding, but more natural with it). I wasn't a fan of the Karats but loved the XX carts. YMMV.

Lefty

[dzeikei]

Dudy, if you have a change, please try the DV XX2 as well. Many friends over here are using that cart in different decks with great results, at least that's what they say . A couple of them use it in Well tempered and a couple in LP12 and everyone seem to praise it. I would really like to know how does it sound like in P9 with Ios.

[dudywoxer]

I have decided to let the 17D3 go, it is overall to close to the apheta, and on longer listening I prefer the Apheta's presentation.
I intend to have a play with a Benz Glider next, then maybe the DVXX2

[belloire]

hi Colin, did you buy the Dynavector or have you found somewhere that will 'loan' one to test?

i've got an ortofon 2M red on at the moment, but will want to change to MC after xmas.

[dudywoxer]

I bought it, and have sold it on.

[dudywoxer]

I have just about managed to fry what is left of my brain over recent months, just trying to sort out the final part of my vinyl front end. The following lumps of rock have found themselves being dragged through plastic at one time or another:-












The Dyna 20xl is a lovely cart to listen to, balanced, even handed, with a overall darker tone. Very kind to slightly worn vinyl, and also the least likely of the quartet to hold your attention. In my system something with a little lighter and brighter balance is needed.

The Karat has that lighter balance, and a brighter lively sound, but for some reason I could not get it to gell into my system as well as I would have wished. Not the fault of the cart, just a system balance thing.

The glider is superb piece of kit, flowing, delicate, impact as and when required, picks up the change of tonal balance on recordings.

The apheta, is simply the apheta, does everything the glider does and just a little bit more. It may very well be benefitting from the synergy of being in a full Rega from end.

the easiest way to some it up for me is to say that Dynas have both been sold, the glider is staying as a back up - alternate choice cart, and the apheta will shortly find itself bolted back into the headshell of the RB1000.