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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
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
729 posts
 
In the Ortofon camp, you would do well to talk to Bill about the SPU Royal N instead of the Jubilee ... this said by a guy who sells (and likes) Dynavectors ... me.

The SPU Royal-N has extremely vivid tone colors (very reminsiscent of the Dynavector line).

Don't think of it as a vintage cartridge. Heck! It has silver coils, and a very radical stylus profile. It is a cartidge to be reckoned with, and frankly, I don't know why Ortofon didn't re-badge the Royal N instead of coming out with the Jubilee.

Now, if you have a tonearm that's on the light side of things, the Jubilee might be a better match, but if you're in the 10-12 gram effective mass range, the Royal N will work just fine ... all the way up to an 18 gram "monster".

For ligher arms, some weight at the headshell will help you out.

I'd love to hear the background on this decision.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
729 posts
 
Sorry for the confusing comment context:
I'd love to hear the background on this decision.
This referred to Ortofon's decision to come out with the Jubilee instead of re-badging a stunningly good cartridge in the Royal N.

Cheers,
Thom
rockinrobin OP
74 posts
 
I believe the JMW-9 Sig is 14 grams effective mass. I ended up buying the Dyna XX2MkII. I was torn between this and the Jubilee. In the end, my dealer cut me a great deal, so that's what tipped me over the edge for the Dyna. I set it up and have about 10 hours on it so far. FWIW, I am running it into a 1000 ohm load on my Modwright SWP9.0SE phono stage. It sounds best to me at that setting. I'm still going to play around more with VTA and VTF once I have more hours on it. This cartridge is truly an amazing step up from the Lyra Dorian I was using in virtually all sonic characteristics. I am VERY pleased so far with my purchase. I'm sure the Ortofons are also very nice cartridges. Maybe one day... Thanks for all the tips.
cmk
397 posts
 
Congrats on the purchase!
Wow, both the cart and phono are great items, I'm sure you will be very pleased with them. The Dyna needs high gain which the ModWright provides, good matchup.

On the VTA, start with the arm parallel to the LP surface, then lower it till all surface noise disappears and the midrange harmonics come alive. For the VTF, I'd recommend starting on the higher end of the manufacturer's range, then lower it after its run in.

Enjoy the music.
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