I went from a Denon DL110 to a Dynavector 10x5 that was broken in and the difference was HUGE. Upgraded to a 20x2 and it was another huge step up. People who post "you should have posted some audio of it" should pack up their tables and go back to MP3's cause they don't understand doing that is like posting a polaroid you took of your HDTV.
Thanks Ron. I was looking at a Goldring for my new Rega P8, but you convinced me. I just ordered the DV20x2L ! 🎉🎉 Can't wait for it to arrive ! Cheers from Tokyo !
Love your review of the 20x2. I've been living with a 10x5 on a Linn LP-12 for some time and loving it but now I'm considering taking the ultimate leap to the XV-1s. I have no doubt i will totally love it yet i have one question. Many people now are raving about the Hana Umami Red and encouraging me to consider it. Price is not an issue. Can you shed some light on the comparison betwen the Hana and XV-1s? I haven't seen any comparisons. People seem to be in one camp or another.
I just picked up the DV20x2 ....... 1 week so far and I agree with you it's fucking amazing! I would need to listen to 4k records all over again :-P Cheers!
Dynavector make some gorgeous sounding mc cartridges.I owned a 20X2 for a year and ,like you,was blown away by its performance.It's a little gem and one of the best bang for your buck cartridges available,it really is THAT GOOD. I've now traded up to a XX2 mk2 and I'm in analogue heaven....absolutely fantastic!!
Ok Ron, it's been almost three years since your review on the 20x2, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger to buy once since my Dynavector 10x5 was ruined by a rag cleaning around my table. I was pissed!! I loved that cart. Anyway just curious if this was still your end game cartridge? Spin well my friend!
@@Newrecordday2013 hey Ron, the verdict is in, the 20x2 is great but the jump factor from my Denon 103R wasn't big as I hoped for but it's early hopefully I'll feel different as the cartridge brakes in!!!!
Hi Ron, You & Herb Riechert are my 2 favourite reviewers. I like your because yo cut right to the chase. I like Herb because he goes over the top waxing poetically like a Monk who's just invented champagne. That and I think we have similar tastes in audio. I had purchased the little Lounge Audio LCR just before your review appeared. In addition I'd also been leaning towards the Dynavector 20X2H to replace my AT440MLa. I just saw your review here of the Dyna and pulled the trigger on it today. Keep the reviews coming.
You now have some really nice equipment. The Rogue is great, the upgraded Parasound phono pre is in Stereophile's Class A category, and now the Dynavector 20x2 (if you bought it). The only problem you have now is your Pro-Ject turntable. It's OK but it's time for an upgrade! When funds allow of course. Your other gear simply outclasses it now. If you are looking for that wow factor of an upgrade, like you had with your other gear, I suggest you go out and buy a VPI Scout 1.1 You will be amazed what $2000 will get you. You will be done after that for a very long time. Cheers and thanks for the reviews.
I would be interested in a comparison between the Dynavector 20X2 low, 20X2 hi, 17d3 Karat, the Grado Statement Master and the Grado Statement Reference.
Ron is simply the best reviewer, bar none, when it comes to knowing how to evaluate high fidelity products. He's whitty without being corny, knowledgeable without being too wordy, and gives you a cut-to-the-chase analysis of high fidelity gear. After hearing his review on the Dyanvector 20x2, it made me think twice about purchasing the Denon 103R or the modified (103R) Zu Audio cartridge. $400 vs. $850 is within my budget limits. When it does not take a reviewer an exhaustingly long time to make a judgement on something, well that my friend, speaks volumes. A Rogue Audio amp vs. Jadis tube amplifier and Dynavector 20x2 vs. a megabuck Koetsu or a Lyra cartridge, or a VPI turntable vs. a 20k turntable with a megabuck arm, I feel, is not going to be a big difference, if any, in sound. My motto in life is (there is never, ever, any prestige in overpaying). You will rearly be able to get Box Store audio equipment to get your feet tapping, your head bobbing, and put an uncontrol grin on your face, all at the same time, the way certain "Budget" hi-fi gear setups can. And, isn't that the bottom line?
Hello, Ron! I purchased a Grado Platinum Reference about 4 months ago and I haven't been impressed with the sound that much yet. My Grado has about 50 hours on it or so and according to some reviewers it took almost 200 hours to break in! In the mean time I've become very interested in the DV cart you reviewed here. Is it a worth while upgrade from my Grado or should I wait a little longer for the cart to break in?
I like your review, it would be great to also see what your ancillary review gear is so that we have a reference point for sound quality. You mention a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, but nothing on the pre-amp, cables, speaker, TT, etc. The TT looks like it could be an older Pro-ject 5.1? Many thanks!
Gear used for this review: Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum KT120 Parasound JC3 Project RM5SE Anthony Gallo 3.1 Audio Art Classic series SC-5 speaker cables and IC-3 interconnects
Thanks, been looking for a review on this cartridge for a while. I don't have a $2000 phono pre, I have a Jolida JD9. Should I be looking at the High Output version of this cartridge? I have enough settings on the JD9, just not sure if the Jolida is up to the task of providing good quality gain ( excuse terminology ) required for the Low Output version.
The Jolida JD9 has TONS of gain. I use this cart with the Jolida and I do not even have it set to the highest gain, I use the middle setting. Loaded at 100ohms it sounds phenomenal. I have the JD9 II..not sure which one you have.
Hi Steve, I have the first JD9. I'm using it with a Low Output MC cartridge right now and have the gain set at 70dB. I'm getting a slight hum from the JD9. I tried lower gain settings and LP's don't sound as good, and the hum is still there, just quieter. I'm going to try a new set of tubes and see what affect that will have.
I wonder how this stacks up to the Ortofon Quintet Black. All too often I saw the Dynavector 20x2 compared with the Ortofon 2M Black and in my opinion that is kinda apples and oranges. Think you can do a review, maybe even a side by side, of the Quintet Black and and the 20x2? Keep up the good work. I find your reviews very useful. Even though they are a bit on the theatrical side :)
+New Record Day--GREAT VIDEOS!!!..question: the built-in phono stage is not as dynamic as the line stages (cd/dac/etc)--on my preamp. will the parasound jc3 solve this anamoly?...i am using a 2.5mv sumiko bluepoint#2 cartridge/pro-ject rpM 3 TT
Hi, just watched your review of thr DV20x2 very cool.I just got the Dynavector 17D3 and Whest PS30R phono stage and WOWwhat detail bass that sounds REAL and I mean real.
I went from a 20X-H to a 17D, Yes, it's an upgrade, but if you listen to classical music, there is a slight trade off in midrange sweetness. Of course, most people play electronic music, so what do they know?
I've heard the 20X2H in several systems, at shows as well. 3 friends own it. It always sounds musically interesting and captures me. I intend to downgrade from my 15 year old but lovely worn (2500 hours) Benz Ruby3. The alternative is the newer Hana ML. I just know that the 20X2L will be excellent, simple to set-up on an SME-4 arm and easy to dial in impedance with my Zesto Alesso SUT.
The Dynavector line used to be such a bargain, but now this cart is 100 dollars more expensive and they didn't change anything. I know the was a boron shortage for a while, but still they should at least give us some justification for the price increase.
Gear used for this review: Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum KT120 Parasound JC3 Project RM5SE Anthony Gallo 3.1 Audio Art Classic series SC-5 speaker cables and IC-3 interconnects
***** Thank you! I have a last question, did you ever listened to a digital setup that was as good as a analog setup? Because i am on the edge…i don't know if should upgrade my turntable setup or get a really good dac.
I had the exact same experience. I listened to several highly regarded cartridges when I first got into vinyl. Nope. Didn't like any of them. Then listened to 20x2L and that was that. No more cartridge searching.
I bent the stylus on my DV20X2 Low a month ago putting the gawd awfully designed stylus guard on before cleaning the TT. As I couldn't get myself to replace it with a new one just yet, I sent it out for repair. Got it back, it's good, but not the same. I miss the og.
anyone has tried the Audio-Technica AT33PTG/II Dual Moving Coil Cartridge vs this Dynavector 20x2l ? two of the best audiophile guys that I know use the AT33PTG/II so I'm curious about this.
Nope. Only $950, which is pretty dang close to $1000 I will admit. I plan on eventually getting the 17D3 to go along with a VPI Prime. The 17D3 is a $1350 cartridge. It is also gold and very beautiful looking.
I am going to the Bristol hi-fi show late February 2016. I have dynavector dv-20x2(L) and I have been advised that this cartridge works very well on the VPI SCOUT turntable updated version. this cartridge is 20-20,000 HZ and has come out right. sonically. phonostages are the last part of this complex chain.but which one. DP-75MK 3/ REGA/moon/ primare R-32/tom evans. does anybody have any experience on these type of phonostages to give a great sound to complete the chain at a good value for money package. peoples comments are of help.
pfffofff Yes, that would be actually useful. RUclips is not bad at all when the differences are not subtle. "Wow" "Oh my god!" and other orgasmic sounds are not very useful.
This would be like buying a TV because of the way it looks on the TV you already have. (Advertisements for new TV's used to be common on "Network" TV back in the day.)
Is this what you still use, 3 year later? I ran it for about 5 full months I get it useed and always wondered it maybe it was a dud or just didn't like my PS Audio GCPH. It did have big bass. I prefer the Benz Micro Glider I run now @@Newrecordday2013
I went from a Denon DL110 to a Dynavector 10x5 that was broken in and the difference was HUGE. Upgraded to a 20x2 and it was another huge step up. People who post "you should have posted some audio of it" should pack up their tables and go back to MP3's cause they don't understand doing that is like posting a polaroid you took of your HDTV.
Please! Do a new Dynavector review….I brought one because of you…..and I never looked back….I’m still in love with this cartridge
Thanks Ron.
I was looking at a Goldring for my new Rega P8, but you convinced me. I just ordered the DV20x2L ! 🎉🎉
Can't wait for it to arrive !
Cheers from Tokyo !
Love your review of the 20x2. I've been living with a 10x5 on a Linn LP-12 for some time and loving it but now I'm considering taking the ultimate leap to the XV-1s. I have no doubt i will totally love it yet i have one question.
Many people now are raving about the Hana Umami Red and encouraging me to consider it. Price is not an issue. Can you shed some light on the comparison betwen the Hana and XV-1s? I haven't seen any comparisons. People seem to be in one camp or another.
I just picked up the DV20x2 ....... 1 week so far and I agree with you it's fucking amazing! I would need to listen to 4k records all over again :-P Cheers!
Dynavector make some gorgeous sounding mc cartridges.I owned a 20X2 for a year and ,like you,was blown away by its performance.It's a little gem and one of the best bang for your buck cartridges available,it really is THAT GOOD.
I've now traded up to a XX2 mk2 and I'm in analogue heaven....absolutely fantastic!!
its double the price im sure its not double the upgrade but is it close to double the performance ?
Just purchased this cartridge and an Avid Diva ll SP turntable. Can’t wait for them to arrive
Ok Ron, it's been almost three years since your review on the 20x2, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger to buy once since my Dynavector 10x5 was ruined by a rag cleaning around my table. I was pissed!! I loved that cart. Anyway just curious if this was still your end game cartridge?
Spin well my friend!
Hey Ron, it's 9 years since you've done this review do you feel the same about this cartridge I just purchased one?
It’s still my go to cartridge buddy!
@@Newrecordday2013 wow, thanks a lot Ron looking forward to some happy listening 🎧
@@Newrecordday2013 hey Ron, the verdict is in, the 20x2 is great but the jump factor from my Denon 103R wasn't big as I hoped for but it's early hopefully I'll feel different as the cartridge brakes in!!!!
Hi Ron,
You & Herb Riechert are my 2 favourite reviewers. I like your because yo cut right to the chase. I like Herb because he goes over the top waxing poetically like a Monk who's just invented champagne. That and I think we have similar tastes in audio. I had purchased the little Lounge Audio LCR just before your review appeared. In addition I'd also been leaning towards the Dynavector 20X2H to replace my AT440MLa. I just saw your review here of the Dyna and pulled the trigger on it today. Keep the reviews coming.
You now have some really nice equipment. The Rogue is great, the upgraded Parasound phono pre is in Stereophile's Class A category, and now the Dynavector 20x2 (if you bought it). The only problem you have now is your Pro-Ject turntable. It's OK but it's time for an upgrade! When funds allow of course. Your other gear simply outclasses it now. If you are looking for that wow factor of an upgrade, like you had with your other gear, I suggest you go out and buy a VPI Scout 1.1 You will be amazed what $2000 will get you. You will be done after that for a very long time. Cheers and thanks for the reviews.
Thats the exact table on my radar...
***** I love my scout 1.1, but If I were you I would hold out the extra grand for a Classic 1. It's a significant tier above.
I would be interested in a comparison between the Dynavector 20X2 low, 20X2 hi, 17d3 Karat, the Grado Statement Master and the Grado Statement Reference.
Speaking of a 17D3, I am planning to get one in the future.
all i can say is that if you are interested in the 17d3 - DO NOT listen to the XX2!!!
Ron is simply the best reviewer, bar none, when it comes to knowing how to evaluate high fidelity products. He's whitty without being corny, knowledgeable without being too wordy, and gives you a cut-to-the-chase analysis of high fidelity gear. After hearing his review on the Dyanvector 20x2, it made me think twice about purchasing the Denon 103R or the modified (103R) Zu Audio cartridge. $400 vs. $850 is within my budget limits. When it does not take a reviewer an exhaustingly long time to make a judgement on something, well that my friend, speaks volumes. A Rogue Audio amp vs. Jadis tube amplifier and Dynavector 20x2 vs. a megabuck Koetsu or a Lyra cartridge, or a VPI turntable vs. a 20k turntable with a megabuck arm, I feel, is not going to be a big difference, if any, in sound. My motto in life is (there is never, ever, any prestige in overpaying). You will rearly be able to get Box Store audio equipment to get your feet tapping, your head bobbing, and put an uncontrol grin on your face, all at the same time, the way certain "Budget" hi-fi gear setups can. And, isn't that the bottom line?
I have this cartridge fitted on a Rega RP8. Simply the best. I don’t need anything more
Hello, Ron! I purchased a Grado Platinum Reference about 4 months ago and I haven't been impressed with the sound that much yet. My Grado has about 50 hours on it or so and according to some reviewers it took almost 200 hours to break in! In the mean time I've become very interested in the DV cart you reviewed here. Is it a worth while upgrade from my Grado or should I wait a little longer for the cart to break in?
I like your review, it would be great to also see what your ancillary review gear is so that we have a reference point for sound quality. You mention a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, but nothing on the pre-amp, cables, speaker, TT, etc. The TT looks like it could be an older Pro-ject 5.1?
Many thanks!
Gear used for this review:
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum KT120
Parasound JC3
Project RM5SE
Anthony Gallo 3.1
Audio Art Classic series SC-5 speaker cables and IC-3 interconnects
Thanks, been looking for a review on this cartridge for a while. I don't have a $2000 phono pre, I have a Jolida JD9. Should I be looking at the High Output version of this cartridge? I have enough settings on the JD9, just not sure if the Jolida is up to the task of providing good quality gain ( excuse terminology ) required for the Low Output version.
Good question! I wish Jolida would send me one to review but they are not great at responding to emails! I dont know if I am much help! Sorry.
The Jolida JD9 has TONS of gain. I use this cart with the Jolida and I do not even have it set to the highest gain, I use the middle setting. Loaded at 100ohms it sounds phenomenal. I have the JD9 II..not sure which one you have.
Hi Steve, I have the first JD9. I'm using it with a Low Output MC cartridge right now and have the gain set at 70dB. I'm getting a slight hum from the JD9. I tried lower gain settings and LP's don't sound as good, and the hum is still there, just quieter. I'm going to try a new set of tubes and see what affect that will have.
I wonder how this stacks up to the Ortofon Quintet Black. All too often I saw the Dynavector 20x2 compared with the Ortofon 2M Black and in my opinion that is kinda apples and oranges.
Think you can do a review, maybe even a side by side, of the Quintet Black and and the 20x2?
Keep up the good work. I find your reviews very useful. Even though they are a bit on the theatrical side :)
+Tudor Rapeanu I actually have wondered the same thing... I will see what I can do.
Thanks for the compliments and appreciate the feedback!
Thanks for the enthusiastic review on the 20x2. I am considering it for my next turntable. Due to arrive in the next few weeks.
+Tudor Rapeanu I had 2m black and now find dv-20x2 more warmer less bright less fatigue.
+New Record Day--GREAT VIDEOS!!!..question: the built-in phono stage is not as dynamic as the line stages (cd/dac/etc)--on my preamp. will the parasound jc3 solve this anamoly?...i am using a 2.5mv sumiko bluepoint#2 cartridge/pro-ject rpM 3 TT
hello I don't know if in the meantime you got to know it but I was evaluating the 10x5 mk2 low to replace my 2m bronze, do you think it is valid??
Hi,
just watched your review of thr DV20x2 very cool.I just got the Dynavector 17D3 and Whest PS30R phono stage and WOWwhat detail bass that sounds REAL and I mean real.
I went from a 20X-H to a 17D, Yes, it's an upgrade, but if you listen to classical music, there is a slight trade off in midrange sweetness. Of course, most people play electronic music, so what do they know?
Would have been more worthwhile to know why the cartridge was rated so highly. What were its intrinsic strengths and attributes?
Hello Ron
I like very much your cartridge reviews. is it possible can you make a review abot the Project debut carbon DC turntable?
regards from Peru
I've heard the 20X2H in several systems, at shows as well. 3 friends own it. It always sounds musically interesting and captures me. I intend to downgrade from my 15 year old but lovely worn (2500 hours) Benz Ruby3. The alternative is the newer Hana ML. I just know that the 20X2L will be excellent, simple to set-up on an SME-4 arm and easy to dial in impedance with my Zesto Alesso SUT.
Man, I bought this cart and.... it's everything you say. It's pretty good.
The Dynavector line used to be such a bargain, but now this cart is 100 dollars more expensive and they didn't change anything. I know the was a boron shortage for a while, but still they should at least give us some justification for the price increase.
The DV20x2 has an aluminum cantilever, not boron. However, prices do sometimes need to go up. 10-15% doesn't sound like gouging.
What was your previous cartridge?
Hey! Looks good! What is your turntable and speakers???Thank you
Gear used for this review:
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum KT120
Parasound JC3
Project RM5SE
Anthony Gallo 3.1
Audio Art Classic series SC-5 speaker cables and IC-3 interconnects
***** Thank you! I have a last question, did you ever listened to a digital setup that was as good as a analog setup?
Because i am on the edge…i don't know if should upgrade my turntable setup or get a really good dac.
What turntable do you have? Whats your phono stage? Tell me a little more about your system.
***** vintage stuff lol: technics sl-3300 with ortophon 2m blue cartridge, sima p-2001 pre-amp...
MrFreddy1201 i'm looking to spend around a thousand for my next improvement, soooo a very good dac, or something related to lp's
wonder what cartridge this guy is comparing it to? (I.e. what he had before)
Hi Sir
Which phono preamp that you go along with DV20X2L?
I had the exact same experience. I listened to several highly regarded cartridges when I first got into vinyl. Nope. Didn't like any of them. Then listened to 20x2L and that was that. No more cartridge searching.
Me too :) with Goldnote PH10
After listening to the Dynavector, I prefer the Denon DL103R.
I bent the stylus on my DV20X2 Low a month ago putting the gawd awfully designed stylus guard on before cleaning the TT. As I couldn't get myself to replace it with a new one just yet, I sent it out for repair. Got it back, it's good, but not the same. I miss the og.
I will be buying this one for my Oracle Origine
anyone has tried the Audio-Technica AT33PTG/II Dual Moving Coil Cartridge vs this Dynavector 20x2l ? two of the best audiophile guys that I know use the AT33PTG/II so I'm curious about this.
not even CLOSE
Its 500 more and its better suprised?:)
Yey dynavector mc!
These are $1000 now!!!!
Nope. Only $950, which is pretty dang close to $1000 I will admit. I plan on eventually getting the 17D3 to go along with a VPI Prime. The 17D3 is a $1350 cartridge. It is also gold and very beautiful looking.
Sam Wittsell sounds awesome
$1,300 now 😮
audio technica are very good and cheap. oc-9, f7, f3111, they are very good
I'm confused... I thought a moving coil cart was for 78's?
Nope, not true.
I am going to the Bristol hi-fi show late February 2016. I have dynavector dv-20x2(L) and I have been advised that this cartridge works very well on the VPI SCOUT turntable updated version. this cartridge is 20-20,000 HZ and has come out right. sonically. phonostages are the last part of this complex chain.but which one. DP-75MK 3/ REGA/moon/ primare R-32/tom evans. does anybody have any experience on these type of phonostages to give a great sound to complete the chain at a good value for money package. peoples comments are of help.
Too much talk and no music to listen to. What a shame!
Hearing is believing. Why not just put even a small amount of audio on this review?
pfffofff Yes, that would be actually useful. RUclips is not bad at all when the differences are not subtle. "Wow" "Oh my god!" and other orgasmic sounds are not very useful.
This would be like buying a TV because of the way it looks on the TV you already have. (Advertisements for new TV's used to be common on "Network" TV back in the day.)
CZECH LIKOS
dude, if you want to get free stuff just say so.. this is hard to watch.
worthless bla bla bla
Thanks for the constructive feedback!
***** Lol the kid's such a moron. How often do you try new cartridges?
Hey Blake, still using the 20x2l to this day :)
I thought this cart was no bueno on my Rega. 3/10, do not recommend.
Weird, my buddy has the same cart on his Rega, no problems.
Is this what you still use, 3 year later? I ran it for about 5 full months I get it useed and always wondered it maybe it was a dud or just didn't like my PS Audio GCPH. It did have big bass. I prefer the Benz Micro Glider I run now @@Newrecordday2013
Yes sir, still running the ol' 20x2l and LOVE it!
What stage are you running with it?
What stage are you running with it?