Dynavector retiped

@wcfeil   The Dynavector 20X series is a classic, lovely sounding cartridge.  AT?  Come on.🧐

The 20X is hardly a classic. It’s basically an entry level component one step above the 5.  

Have you heard the AT? Probably not or you wouldn’t dismiss it so callously. 

I’ve owned both. Believe what you wish after hearing both. 

@audiosens

If you feel the Dynavector is what you enjoy, then the opinions of others don't matter.  

As raul stated, it's not likely that the cartridge can be converted from a "H" high output to a "L" low output without significant changes to the motor itself.  That is probably a task for Dynavector if they would choose to perform that level of repair.  


My opinion....

I recently sent a Lyra Clavis DC to Soundsmith for a new Boron cantilever and line contact stylus.  I had a roughly eight week turnaround on the "rebuild" of the cartridge.  The results and cartridge performance exceeded my expectations.  IMO, the Boron cantilever / line contact stylus combination performed much better than the original ceralloy cantilever / line contact on the Clavis DC.  Better detail, smoother treble, sharper dynamics, better timing.  More musical than the original CDC.

But that's just my opinion of the CDC rebuild using those specific components.  What differences a Soundsmith rebuild of a 20X might impose are hard to tell.  That said, I have not heard anyone complain that a Soundsmith rebuild destroyed the qualities of their cartridge.  I have heard customers claim that Soundsmith rebuilds and / or retips sound as good as new or better than new.  

As always, YRMD, YMMD.

I highly recommend the NC-1 offered by Needle Clinic. I received one as a COMP and the cart is amazing. I set her up yesterday and I’ve been listening to some of my favorite albums and I must say compared to my Blackbird, Benz Micro Wood and my Grado Wood RP it’s sound is superior.

Please see the specs below.

Specifications:

Type: Low impedance moving coil (MC) cartridge
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz
Output Voltage: 0.22mV
Channel Separation: 30dB or more (1kHz)
Channel Balance: 1dB or less (1kHz)
Cantilever: Beryllium
Stylus Tip: VDH
Load Impedance: 20-100 Ohms
Impedance: 5 Ohms
Tracking weight: 1.8 to 2.2 grams
Weight: 5 grams

I just had a DV 10x2 repaired by Andy at the Needle Clinic. PHONO CARTRIDGE REPAIR & RETIPPING. Original Cantilever was unfortunately damaged.  Andy did a new boron cantilever and MR tip.  Wow!  A huge upgrade on the original. Lower surface noise and brilliant sound and separation.  Fantastic service and turnaround, especially considering I am in New Zealand. Highly recommended.  Mark T