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Upgrade a Dynavector 20X2 H on a VPI table

I'm looking to upgrade my current Dyna 20X2 HO on a Scoutmaster with a Classic 3 arm, with a Audio Research PH7 phono stage feeding a Reference 5.

What I love about the 20X2 is the fantastic bass and big sound it produces. What I think is missing is a smoother upper midrange going into the high end and better resolution. I've recently tried a Lyra Delos and was really dissapointed...it had none of the excitement of the Dyna. Bass was substantially less developed, and it seemed more sensitive to surface noise. So then I stepped up to the Kleos, which at 0.5 MV output is the lowest output I think is acceptable to use with the PH7. The Kleos has a very smooth midrange and very low surface noise, but I still think the bass is just not as good as the Dyna. I'm beginning to think the Lyra house sound is just too polite and boring for my taste.

So what do you guys suggest? Maybe I just like Dynavectors, but stepping up the line they are all low output. Would the 20X2 VPI version with 1mv output be any different in sound? Is there anything out there that gives the big sound of the 20X2 and also give you better resolution and low surface noise? Would the Soundsmith VPI Zephyr do the trick?

Thanks for your opinions!
lanetim
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Lanetim, we share very similar gear. I just moved up from the ARC PH-7 to the PH-8. My pre is an ARC Ref 5 and amp is an ARC VS-115. My TT is a VPI Classic. I also went the Clearaudio route and was not happy. That carty just didn't do well with the JMW 10.5 wand. I also own a DV 20X2 H as well, which is my back up carty. My primary is the Sound Smith VPI Zephyr. I have posted many threads about this on the Forum.

Bottom line: IMHO, the Zephyr is an all-around better sounding carty than the DV 20X2 H, but as stated, I like the DV too and keep it as a back up.

Btw, both of our phono pre amps boost carty output by 58db of gain. You really don't want to load a carty that puts out less than .5mVolts. I've read you might get by with .4mV, but that's the absolute limit for the PH-7/8.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Can ARC modify the PH7 to increase the gain??
lanetim OP
23 posts
 
Unfortunately the only way to increase the gain is to use a step up or move to another phono stage like the Reference Phono 2SE, which has 74db gain potential...no doubt a superb product but even more $$. My wife would probably kill me for sure.

Bifwynne, I'm beginning to think the Zephyr is the solution. I think it is the fantastic bass which is what I feel is so appealing about the Dyna. Is the Zephyr equally good?

Thanks, guys, for jumping in!
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Lanetim, IMHO, the Zephyr is better than the DV 20X2 H. I agree with your most recent post re increasing gain. For better or worse, we're stuck with 58 db. Ditto re the wives. FWIW, I have heard that the PH-8 is a close second to the Ref Phono 2 (not SE). And between you and me, the PH-8 is NOT in another league from the PH-7. The PH-7 is a terrific phono pre ---- period!!
lanetim OP
23 posts
 
Bifwynne, thanks for all your input...I'm going to try the Zephyr!
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