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Elevator moving coil cartridge choice? |
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robinje
New Member Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Location: Nevis, MN, USA Status: Offline Points: 24 |
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Posted: 04 Jun 2009 at 5:36am |
I have a new Elevator EXP and a Reflex (on the way). I intend to pursue the world of low-output moving coil cartidges. I am curious as to which models other forum members are using successfully with the Elevator/Reflex combo. So far, I am considering the Dynavector Karat 17D3 and Ortofon Kontrapunkt B. I am certainly open to other suggestions, so long as the price is at this level or somewhat below (~$1K USD). Any recommendations? |
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Analog Kid
Senior Member Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Location: Germany Status: Offline Points: 209 |
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I would say the Dynavector 17D3 is the best choice. For $950 USD, you get a cartridge with a Micro-Ridge stylus and a diamond cantilever. A diamond cantilever does not have high-frequency resonance problems
that plague metal cantilevers. This gives smoother high frequency reproduction, without any sharpness
or metallic ringing. Plus, the diamond cantilever in the 17D3 is only 1.7 mm long, compared to the boron cantilevers of other high-end cartridges, which are usually 6 mm long. A shorter cantilever reduces energy loss and you get better dynamics. The greatest advantage of the 17D3 is the ruler-flat frequency response in the audible range, plus a frequency range that extends all the way up to 100 kHz.
And according to Dynavector, the 17D3 delivers "...crystal clear mid-range and treble even during the largest symphonic crescendos". I can not think of anything more to ask for in a cartridge. Edited by Analog Kid - 04 Jun 2009 at 10:05pm |
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robinje
New Member Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Location: Nevis, MN, USA Status: Offline Points: 24 |
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Thanks, Analog Kid. You've laid out a pretty convincing argument for the 17D3. The specs and design features sure are appealing. Just a note regarding cantilevers, the Kontrapunkt B's cantilever is made of ruby, although it is not short like the 17D3's diamond. I did notice that the 17D3's output is on the lower end of the scale at 0.3mV. I am assuming this is no problem at all for the Elevator/Reflex combo, as I think the total available gain would be around 65dB. That should be sufficient gain for just about any moving coil cartridge on the market today, especially considering the low inherent noise from the Elevator/Reflex units, correct?
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tg [RIP]
Moderator Group Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Location: Sydney Status: Offline Points: 1866 |
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Robin, |
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robinje
New Member Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Location: Nevis, MN, USA Status: Offline Points: 24 |
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Thanks for the lower cost recommendations! I'll certainly check them out. BTW - my turntable is a SOTA Nova Mk. V (vacuum system) and my tonearm is an Origin Live Encounter Mk. III (14.5g effective mass). I typically use the "Cartridge Database" online resonance frequency calculator to estimate compatability of various potential cartridges. My experience in real life shows that it is pretty accurate, verifying with the HiFi News test record. Luckily, my tonearm is suitable for a wide range of cartridges, so the word is wide open! I have been drawn to the 17D3 and Kontrapunkt B because of their specs, reviews, interesting/unique features, and the fact that they both have been around a while and appear to be universally respected as fine performers. Not of least importance, they fit my budget! FYI - My listening tastes generally are more toward the 'rock' end of the music spectrum (Yes, Pixies, Rush, Led Zeppelin, etc.), but I do go for other genres (even acoustic folk music) on occasion. I favor detailed presentation, airy treble extension, and dynamics, although I do very much appreciate an even tonal balance. My desire is for a really nice 'all-around' cartridge that sounds great with all types of music and is not extreme in any one area. Maybe that's asking too much!
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robinje
New Member Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Location: Nevis, MN, USA Status: Offline Points: 24 |
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I got a great deal on a Kontrapunkt B, so I ordered one. Yes, it is still more expensive than some of the other appealing options presented in this thread. But, I am not always one who uses a great deal of common sense and logic when it comes to spending money. Oh, well... you only live once! Really, though, I think the new cartridge will sound great through the Elevator/Reflex combination. I also have an Ortofon 2M Black, which I do indeed like a lot. My satisfaction with that cartridge is partially why I decided to stick with the Ortofon brand when selecting a moving coil unit. Now I will be able to compare a 2M Black through the Reflex alone to a Kontrapunkt B through the Elevator/Reflex combination. It will be interesting to observe the differences. I'll try to remember to post my impressions here once I have some exended listening time. Thanks for reading...
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tg [RIP]
Moderator Group Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Location: Sydney Status: Offline Points: 1866 |
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Hard to resist a "good deal" on something you really want isn't it Do come back and let us know how you like the KB. |
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