Dynavector 10 X 5 Or Other MC In Same Price Range?


Howdy Everyone,

I'm just about to purchase my first moving coil cartridge ever. My turntable is a Rotel RP-955 with a very average Ortofon MM cartridge.

So, in the $350 price range, is the Dynavector 10X5 the way to go - or are there are some other alternatives to consider?

Basically, I'd like to find something that's going to provide more bass when I'm listening to vinyl.

I'm listening through a Nakamichi SR-3A + Vandersteen 1C's, which provides very pleasing sound, but it just doesn't seem to have the same punch as CD's when I listen to LP's.

Any suggestions/advice is appreciated!
theunderlyingtheme
Dynavectors are great, but in your price range (and with that TT/arm), I think you'd get a better value with a Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo3. They're $350 new. There's a used one here for $250 I think:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1136221247

Keep in mind that great bass with vinyl is very much a function of the arm and table, not just the cartridge. What I'm saying is if you buy a Bluepoint, you'll be able to upgrade the table/arm later, keeping the cartridge, and you'll get even better bass.
I have a dynavector 10X5 and am very happy with it. I found it easy to set up, very musical and my little monitors do not lack for base. I would recommend it highly.
I just auditioned the Galibier Stelvio turntable (double arm config) with new brass insert platter and fitted with Schroeder Reference and Micro Seiki 505 tonearms. This at a audio members home, in a system I'm familiar with.

The Schroeder had a ZYX Airy 3 cartridge and the Micro Seiki had the Denon 103 R.

No question the Schroeder + ZYX was the superior rig, but the used Micro Seiki arm ($200.00) and Denon 103R (about $300.00) was a stunning combo.

Point is, the Denon is another cartridge you should consider.
I own a Dynavector 10X5, and find it to be just okay. It is a high output cartridge. So you may need to check your pre-amp for sensitivity. In my case it distorts at high volume. I personally would not buy Dynavector, it offers no bass to speak of.