[simoon]

I have a chance to buy an almost new 17D (might be an "S") for about over $350. It's been in a collection since it was new, but has remained largely unused.

I am  not able to hear it due to distance, but I have a good friend that vouches for its condition. I've seen photos.

The question is, what is the consensus on the sound quality of this vintage beauty?

What performance/price level would this be comparable to in a modern cartridge?

[audio.bill]

You should be cautious buying used cartridges, since they age over the years even if they remain unused. Typically suspension components used can dry out over time regardless of usage which affects cantilever damping and resultant tracking ability.

[simoon]

You should be cautious buying used cartridges, since they age over the years even if they remain unused. Typically suspension components used can dry out over time regardless of usage which affects cantilever damping and resultant tracking ability.

Yes, I understand all that.

A couple of years ago, I purchased a SAE 1000lt (NOS) HO MC cartridge (made by Coral of Japan) for $200, for which I received the same warnings. Turned out to be an incredible deal, and many other people here also bought them. The reviews were universally very positive, and considered a "giant killer" by many.

I was hoping to hear impressions from people on a purely sound quality standpoint, with the assumption that it is in like new condition.

[audio.bill]

Glad that the SAE cartridge worked out well for you. I was trying to answer your question as to how a 17D might hold up given its age, but guess I misinterpreted your question. I know that the original 17D was a somewhat analytical sounding cartridge, with a bit of a tipped up response on the high frequencies. Many more modern MCs are now designed to have a flatter frequency response, but if it matches your system it was quite a good value cartridge in its day. Good luck!

[simoon]

Thanks!

Yeah, analytical was my memory of the reviews of the 17D also.

Still debating on it. I do love detail!

[audio.bill]

One other point about the 17D that you should be aware of is its unusually short cantilever. If I recall its only 1.7mm in length (hence the model number 17), so you have to be extremely careful when cleaning the stylus. If you don't exercise the necessary care it's very easy to end up with the dust being shoved up inside the body of the cartridge.

[neobop]

Depends on the test record.  The 17D has flat extended response to 100K.   For $350, get it without hesitation.  Might not be the perfect cart, but that's >$5K.
http://www.dynavector.com/products/cart/e_17d3.html

Modern carts use synthetic rubber in the suspension - does not dry out.
neo