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What's next after Dynavector 20XL?

I haven't heard and don't have audition access to the many fine cartridges mentioned in this Forum so I'm hoping you can help. I would like to move up a step or two from my current cartridge, but keep the budget to about $1,500 or less.

I like the character of the Dynavector 20XL as described in a 6moons review: "The DV 20X-2 brings more openness to the midrange without grain or stress, tremendously greater treble extension and information and a little more control in the bass. It also stages deeper and images more precisely whilst delivering almost all the dynamic impact of the Denon. The 20X-2 is not a warm cartridge but I doubt anybody would describe it as cold or analytical as you'll read about some older Lyras now and then. Neither does it offer the rich density of the better MM options but it certainly delivers the best of MC resolution and tonal finesse with a huge helping of giddy up."

One area that I would like to improve upon is tracking ability (some highly modulated grooves have caused mistracking).

What would you suggest as an upgrade?
kencalgary
inna
7,296 posts
 
I think, I agree that arm and probably table too should get the attention first. $1500 is not little money especially when buying used. Yeah, you could consider re-evaluating your entire analog rig. I certainly would.
kencalgary OP
45 posts
 
Thanks for the useful information.
sirotseta
30 posts
 
Me too was very happy with the 20XL after having moved up from a Denon DL103. It has some of the Denon's hard to find qualities but with more extended frequency extremes.

I then traded up for the Lyra Kleos. Although it is definitely more refined with better soundstage and instrument separations, I missed the beat and tempo that moved me before.

If you like the 20XL's type of sound, then I would look into Dynavector's higher end model such as the Karat 17D3.
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