Vinyl records can still sound fantastic. We’ll show you through the best value models in the Dynavector range and take the mystery out of buying a new cartridge for your turntable. If you enjoy playing records, a new Dynavector Moving Coil Cartridge may be the greatest improvement you ever make to your system. The trick is to work out which model best suits you. With many years of specialist analogue experience and turntable setup, we’re uniquely placed to help.
For existing Dynavector owners we offer worthwhile trade in and re-tipping options.
- DV 10X5 Mk II $1200 (exchange price $1000)
- NEW October 2024 – DV 20X-2A – both high and low output options $1850 ($1550 with exchange)
- NEW March 2024 – DV XX-2A – low output $3400 – (exchange $2800, rebuild $2200).
- DV Karat 17DX $3400 (exchange $2800)
- Te Kaitora Rua $5500 (exchange $4200, rebuild $3400)
- DV DRT XV 1S $7500 (exchange $6500, rebuild $4700)
- DV DRT XV 1T $11,800 (exchange $9000)
The first question to answer is, why a ‘moving coil’ cartridge. In simple terms, there are two types of cartridge – moving magnet and moving coil. With a moving magnet cartridge, the stylus wiggles in the groove of a record. At the other end of the cantilever tube, within the body of the cartridge, this makes a magnet move. And that’s what produces the signal you hear. But a magnet, even a very small one, weighs a lot more than the stylus that is trying to move it.
A far better way to build a cartridge is to replace the magnet with coils of very fine wire. These weigh much less, so are easier to move. Which means that a moving coil cartridge is capable of responding in a much better way to the impulses generated by the stylus. This translates into more musical detail, faster response and far more enjoyment for you.
It costs a little more to build a good moving coil cartridge, but the results are worth it.
Dynavector have been in the moving coil cartridge game for almost 50 years. Rather than being hurt by the advent of digital and CD, they have seen it as a challenge and continued to develop and improve models. While there may be fewer record enthusiasts, Dynavector have a constantly increasing following, which in turn gives them the resources to keep getting better and produce models which please more people – a virtuous cycle.
All the Dynavector moving coil cartridges have distinct characters, which means that there will be an obvious best choice for you. Let’s get into the stuff that vinyl dreams are made of;
First released in 1978 and recipient of the prestigious Design and Engineering Award at the Chicago CES in both 1978 and 1981. The product of constant improvement and many iterations, the latest Dynavector 10X5 MKII MC cartridge presents a new benchmark in High Output MC cartridge performance not requiring a step-up device or MC phono preamplifier.
Along with several exclusive Dynavector technologies that include Magnetic Flux Damping, Softened Magnetism (Patent) and powerful neodymium magnets that provide the smooth treble response Dynavector are renowned for.
The Dynavector 10X5 MKII also features an improved stylus assembly with the nude diamond “Shibata III” line contact stylus and improved hardened cantilever material. These improvements ensure secure tracking ability over even the most torturous of record grooves whilst achieving extended high frequency response and enhanced musical resolution.
The legendary Dynavector coil winding technology using the finest of wire has enabled the Dynavector 10X5 MKII to minutely increase the coil windings and achieve a reduction in impedance to 150 ohms whilst retaining a healthy 2.8mV output.
Read more about the DV10X5 here
In an increasingly digital world the new Dynavector 20X-2A is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of why we enjoy audio. There’s a beautiful balance of fluidity and a cinematic presentation that is immediately obvious to even the most casual listener. Music is projected into the room, and even with a relatively modest system, the soundscape can be immersive.
‘As a more critical listener I’m greatly impressed with the amount of additional detail I’m hearing from albums that have sustained multiple playings. The ease and smoothness in the higher registers is seductive and in line with the considerably more costly Dynavector models. The bass initially seems less prominent than was the case with the previous 20X2 but is considerably more articulate and textured. Just as Sonus faber speakers have a particular organic quality, especially in the midrange, the Dynavector occupies similar territory. It might not be the most analytical but still transmits the leading edge of notes in a way that satisfies my acidic tastes in music while making vocals unusually clear and intelligible.’
Read our recent review here.
Introduced in March this year (2024), the Dynavector XX-2A low output MC cartridge was the first model to feature the “Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit”.
Magnetic annealing, a process of heating and cooling processed parts, is crucial for restoring the distorted metal crystal structure and regenerating magnetic permeability. However, a generic magnetic annealing cannot fully restore distortions in the crystal structure. The magnetic annealing conditions vary depending on the parts material, size, shape, etc. Our recent development focused on finding the best magnetic annealing process, including temperature, environment, duration, and heating and cooling rates. This meticulous approach has enabled us to unleash the full potential of pure iron’s unique magnetic performance.
The new magnetic circuit has significantly enhanced sound quality, delivering unrivalled resolution, smooth wide-range expression, and expansive sound field. Experience the natural and dynamic sound of the Dynavector XX-2A cartridge, where an exceptional vibration system harmonises seamlessly with an optimised magnetic circuit.
Karat DV17DX moving coil cartridge
The Dynavector DV 17DX is unique in both the Dynavector range and the greater world of moving could cartridges. The visceral impact of the new Dynavector DV17DX is like nothing else I’ve heard – and this is in a year where revelatory components seem to be coming our way every few months. Out of all the cartridges that I could have selected, the Dynavector is my personal choice and one that I think you’d really enjoy.
Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua Moving coil cartridge
Te Kaitora means ‘The Discoverer’ in Māori. Rua, is ‘the second version’. The original Te Kaitora cartridge was the result of collaboration between Dynavector Japan and Frank Denson in New Zealand.
“The Sound of the TKR is monstrous. Luminous, transparent, supple, liquid, dynamic yet natural presentation; acoustic instruments surrounded by air, transients, attack and decay, notes hang effortlessly, a sense of spaciousness, invites you in to listen, and that’s all you want to do.
Records you thought you weren’t getting on too well with suddenly become new friends. Artists you didn’t take kindly to reveal their true sterling qualities.Old friends become even better friends. Suddenly a thousand records are chattering excitedly, queuing up for their turn on the turntable, to be caressed by TKR.” londonjazzcollector
The improved Te Kaitora Rua sweeps you away with even greater refinement and finnesse improving on the original’s silk-like treble and openness.
If you’re interested in the detail as to how this has been achieved, the wire for the coil has been changed to the PCOCC copper wire from the silver wire. It sounds a much smoother and has a much better musical performance. At the same time titanium has been used in the headpiece for maximum rigidity along with a miniature stainless steel bolt coupling the front and rear yokes to the magnetic circuit assembly. The combination of these two elements provides a perfect sonic balance. A 6mm long boron cantilever with the Pathfinder line contact stylus as used in the more costly Dynavector XV-1s finds it’s way into the business end of the Te Kaitora Rua. The ingenious square shaped armature and matching square shaped aperture in the front yoke provides much improved linearity in the magnetic flux distribution.
While the exposed technology might seem radical and even a little daunting, in practice the TKR is a very friendly to set up and use. A compliance of 10CU and weight of 8.8 grams make it compatible with a broad range of arms and turntables from Origin Live, Rega, Linn, Naim, SME, Project, Thorens and many more. And as you might expect, there is a natural and synergistic match with all of the Well Tempered arms and turntables – even the entry level Simplex will sing with the TKR.
“The most musical cartridge I have ever heard. I am in High End Audio for 30 years and have heard a lot of serious High End products. The Dynavector TE KAITORA RUA makes you feel that all your LPs are remastered to 180-200 gram vinyl! Old and not good recordings are heard as are good quality.
Information from the record grooves comes to your ears as live music full of harmonics , live like, full of emotions that I had not such experience before.
With this new cartridge you want to hear music for hours.You don’t want to do anything else during the audience.You sit and hear the live orchestra who plays music only for you! The same time you feel that you live with the musicians and that you are there.That is so rare to feel with many many other cartridges.With most other cartridges you hear your LP via the electronics and speakers in your room and you (not all the times…) enjoy the high end system. Not the live music but the system. So what else to say about that brilliant cartridge that brings the live music as it is to my heart? Only congratulations to Dr.Tominari and Dynavector. ” audioreview.com
The Te Kaitora Rua allows analogue enthusiasts to embark on a voyage of discovery to the outer limits of vinyl reproduction.
Dynavector P75MK4 Phono stage
The Dynavector P75 has been the go-to phono stage in New Zealand since it’s introduction in 2003. Over time we’ve seen a series of significant upgrades and now we’re thrilled to introduce you to the MK4.
The sound you’ll get from the combination of any of the Dynavector cartridges and the new P75MK4 – especially when set to the unique ‘Phono Enhancer’ setting is just fantastic – it’s more than just synergy – this is a perfect match.
