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REVIEW: DYNAVECTOR 20xL Phono Cartridge

Posted by hukkfinn on October 14, 2007 at 15:28:17:

Model: 20xL
Category: Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price: $650
Description: Dynavector 20xL low output moving coil phono cartridge
Manufacturer URL: DYNAVECTOR
Model Picture: View
Review by hukkfinn on October 14, 2007 at 15:28:17
IP Address: 70.16.137.235 Add Your Review
for the 20xL
Just wanted to note my impressions of the Dyna 20xL. This cart took almost no time at all to break in.

Previously, I've tried (1) the Dyna 20xH and (2) the Dyna Karat 17d3mkII.

I've also tried a bunch of other carts (Benz Ace, Grado Reference Master, CartridgeMan MusicMaker III, an Audio Technica, a Goldring, others), none of which I will discuss here because they all basically sucked in comparison to the Dynavectors (on my Rega P25).

The Dynas all worked extremely well on my Rega. They are all VERY MUSICAL cartridges.

20xH

The 20xH had the most slam. "WOW" type slam. If you like to rock out, whether it's to the Stones, the Beatles, Aerosmith, AC/DC, White Zombie or even James Taylor swinging through Steamroller, you cannot go wrong with this cart. And it had mids and highs that easily -- and I mean easily -- brought tears to my eyes with the right music. Just an incredibly musical, kick-ass, wonderful cartridge.

Karat

The Karat improved in terms of speed -- it just sounds amazingly quick and accurate. It also improved in terms of midrange. The Karat gives "more" information in the vocal and piano registers, and is more clear in the upper frequencies. Stevie Nicks? Yes, she actually appeared in my living room. However, the Karat sounded a little dry/lifeless compared to the 20xH, was a little less emotional, and did not have as much bass slam.

20xL

The 20xL also beats the Karat in the slam dept. However the 20xL does not have QUITE as much bass slam as the 20xH.

The 20xL, like the 20xH, also suffers from a little bit of a midrange suckout when compared to the Karat. With the 20xL, Stevie Nicks herself has not actually personally appeared in my living room. But (1) the recording of her that I am listening to is phenomenal and spine-tingling, and (2) her band is swinging better, and has better punch / sparkle / dynamics and rhythm, than it did when I heard her with the Karat.

So, which is better - the 20xH, or the 20xL? Although I am not directly A-B'ing these 2 carts, my gut is telling me:

1. Both are phenomenal partners for a Rega turntable or arm.
2. The 20xL may be just a little bit more musical than, and may have a little bit more finesse than, the 20xH, although it also has a tiny bit less slam.
3. Although both carts have given me chills presenting James Taylor or Linda Ronstadt or Stevie Nicks or Paul McCartney or John Lennon's voices singing to me, both do favor wonderful clear highs and slammin' bass over a theoretically perfect midrange presentation.

And, which wins, the 20xL or the Karat? I think the answer is: neither. They are both Awesome, with a capital A. To get the midrange depth of the Karat AND overall slam of the 20xL, I think I'm going to have to spend more than $2,000 on some damned exotic MC cart.

There you have it! Email me at hukkfinn3@hotmail.com if you have any thoughts or questions.
-Hukk
Product Weakness: Slightly hidden midrange
Product Strengths: Musical, musical, musical<br>No break-in period<br>Slam
Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Odyssey Stratos Extreme Monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Conrad Johnson PV12, heavily modified by Bob Backert of RHB Sound Dezign
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Rega P25 with Cardas wire from cart clips to RCA jacks
Speakers: Vienna Acoustics Beethoven
Cables/Interconnects: AudioQuest Sky and JPS Labs Superconductor 2
Music Used (Genre/Selections): UK and German Beatles LPs, Kenny Loggins, James Taylor, Norah Jones
Room Size (LxWxH): 25 x 13 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Model:	20xL
Category:	Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price:	$650
Description:	Dynavector 20xL low output moving coil phono cartridge
Manufacturer URL:	DYNAVECTOR
Model Picture:	View

Product Weakness:	Slightly hidden midrange
Product Strengths:	Musical, musical, musical<br>No break-in period<br>Slam

Amplifier:	Odyssey Stratos Extreme Monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Conrad Johnson PV12, heavily modified by Bob Backert of RHB Sound Dezign
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega P25 with Cardas wire from cart clips to RCA jacks
Speakers:	Vienna Acoustics Beethoven
Cables/Interconnects:	AudioQuest Sky and JPS Labs Superconductor 2
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	UK and German Beatles LPs, Kenny Loggins, James Taylor, Norah Jones
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 13 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner