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Ortofon Jubilee vs. Dynavector XX-2 Mk. 2

I plan to upgrade from my current Lyra Dorian, which is nice but I find it a bit sterile sounding. I am considering the Jubilee and the XX-2 Mk. 2. These cartridges seem very similar in output level, weight, compliance, internal impedance, and even appearance! Does anyone here have experience with both and could point out the basic differences in sound quality? BTW - I am running a Scoutmaster with JMW9 Sig. arm. I could trade the Dorian in for a Helikon and the price would be comparable to buying either the Ortofon or Dyna, but perhaps the Lyra analytical sound is not what I am after. Hence, my interest in other brands. Thanks!
rockinrobin
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,457 posts
 
I'm not that familiar with the xx-2. I have listened extensively to the Jubilee, and know people with good ears who swear by it. It doesn't do it for me. It sounds Hi-Fi rather thn musical to me.
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rauliruegas
13,036 posts
 
Dear Rockinrobin: I think that both are very good cartridges ( I owned both ) and a little different with more " edge " on the Ortofon.

Now, I understand what you mean with the Lyra's and perhaps you could consider the Skala that IMHO is a different Lyra cartridge, of course that depends how good match with your tonearm ,not only the Skala but any other cartridge, and how good are your Phonolinepreamp.

Btw, there are very good choices on the MM cartridge type that performs really good, why don't try it. Please read this link about:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&read&3&4&

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.
cmk
397 posts
 
IMO the XX2 would be a more "enjoyable" as in musical cart, it does many things right, and a few things extraordinary, especially in the area of dynamics.
dfwmediagroup
46 posts
 
Haven't heard the Jubilee, but I own a Dyna XX-2 and am very happy with it. Doesn't do anything wrong and the clarity combined with smoothness, dynamics, musicality, silence in the grooves and bass repsonse leave little to be desired.
johnnantais
621 posts
 
Just to confuse the issue further, I'll cast my vote in favour of the Ortofon Jubilee, which I find is stupendous in terms of performance, with true high-end resolution of detail - as it should have considering it is, or was, Ortofon's top cartridge for a while - but with a most of the infamous Denon DL-103's way with PRaT, SLAM and a sense of the musicians playing together as a united whole (areas where the DL-103 rules the MC roost). It is also considered by many the best there is in the lower frequencies, where indeed it is awesome: limitless reach with incredible control and resolution. I use mine on a JMW 10.5/quasi "i" where it is truly excellent (the best match I've found among a cast including a Morch UP-4 and a Dynavector DV-507 MKII, and so a good match for your own VPI), on a high-mass idler-wheel drive (Lenco of course ;-)). I've heard the Dyna XX-1 as well on one of my high-mass idlers (Garrard 401) where it indeed also sounded excellent, though without the Ortofon's speed, resolution or accuracy.
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