Recently replaced a Dynavector 17D3 with a reissue Purple Heart NS. I have always enjoyed the Karat sound going back many years to my very first one, back when the cantilevers were Ruby based vs diamond. Still an excellent choice in its price bracket. But the scepter has been passed!
On first hearing the Purple Heart it was like a smorgasbord for the ears. One of the first things the struck me is the channel separation, have never heard left and right channels so clearly delineated. Had me double checking the spec sheet, 35 db aha! The highs go on and on, could be to the point of being fatiguing for some, in which case I say go get yourself a MM! The high end performance makes it great for rock, cymbals crash like I've never heard before. Next I took out my personal litmus test, dame (IMHO) Linda Rondstat. Her range humbles my other cartridges, even the stalwart 17D3 would start to lose its grip at her highest octaves. The Purple Heart never broke a sweat. Next up Maria Callas!
The beginnings of a new long term relationship!