Dynavector 17D3 Lifespan

[Ramarge3653]

I'm just curious on what's the average lifespan of a Dynavector 17D3 cartridge. I understand that a lot of variable factors contribute to the life of a cartridge, so I'm just looking for rough estimates. I've heard 500 hours, and I've also heard 1000 hours...I'm just curious as to how long my cartridge will last on average.

Also, what is the best option once it does go? Retip or just exchange discount? I've used SS for a new cantilever and retip on my 23rs, but I'm not sure how the 17D3 would sound if a ruby cantilever was added. I'm just thinking about my cartridge future.

[Tedrick]

Depending on how clean your records, how often you clean the stylus, and the care you take in cartridge set-up and alignment, you could get as much as 1500-2000 hours out of the 17D3.

When the stylus is worn and in need of replacement, the most cost-effective option is to have it re-tipped by SoundSmith. Dynavector does have a re-tipping program, but it is much more expensive than SS, and what you get is someone else's re-tipped trade-in (instead of your re-tipped cart). The 17D3 already has a diamond cantilever, so if it's still in good shape, you should not need to replace it. I'm not sure that changing to a ruby cantilever would be much of an upgrade over the stock diamond model anyway.

[Alec124c41]

AFAIK SS replaces the cantilever/stylus assembly, and only if the suspension is good.

Cheers,
Alec

[Ramarge3653]

Thanks for the information. I'm very happy to hear that I might be able to get 1500-2000 hours out of my 17D3!

In the past I've sent in a 17D2 for a retip but the suspension was worn out and SS would not retip it. I just have it collecting dust now....not sure what to do with it.

[scho2684]

You can have a new Dyna with a discount, if you give the old one back to Dynavector. This way its worth I believe around 200 euro's (here in the Netherlands)

Regards, Marco

[Blue Shadow]

Because there are a couple retipping companies in the world, great cartridges can be sold well used on the bay for decent money. Since you have time, check the bay and see if the 17 is selling there ready for a retip.

[crazymadfool]

i have had my 17d3 for 3 years and play about 5-8 albums a week. ( what's that in hrs?)
Its still sounding just fine but i am getting paranoid about how long i have left...
i am wondering about a trade in or retip..

or go for something different, this is my second 17d3 now.

Lee

[abril]

i have had my 17d3 for 3 years and play about 5-8 albums a week. ( what's that in hrs?)

That's only about 250hrs a year

[duficity]

I have Dyna 17d2, Karat, 23r, and 23rs, all similar cartridges and none have worn out yet. Of course, with multiple cartridges, none gets used that much. But if you are worried about age affecting the suspension, I havent found it to be a problem on these.

[dlaloum]

Hi Duficity,

how would you characterise the differences between 17d2 23r and 23rs?

(I have the 23rs)

Technically I know that the shorter diamond cantilever raises the resonant frequency from circa 50kHz to circa 70kHz, and lowers the effective tip mass from circa 0.1g to circa 0.05g....

But sonically?

bye for now

David

p.s. - get that Karat retipped, there is no other cartridge currently on the market that has effective tip mass that low - quite unique and superb cartridge!

[Ballyroebuck]

I've had a Dynavector Ruby for the past 30 years and it still sounds great. Granted I didn't listen to it very much while the kids were young, for about 10 years, but recently started up again. Local audio shops have helped me clean and set-up the turntable and have commented how impressive the sound is.