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Dynavector XX-2 MkII vs. Shelter 5000

After much upgrades to my system, I'm of the opinion that my cart. is the weak link. I have a DV10x5 on a Kuzma Stabi S w/Stogi S arm. I'm using an Exemplar Audio tube pre amp into two Belles 350a's powering Usher BE-10's. I'm currently using a Belles 28a as a phono section, because I have it, and it does have a good phono section. Kuzma uses and recommends Shelter cart.s, but I'm concerned that the 5000 might not be dynamic enough for my speakers, if that makes sense. It's not like my 10x5 is bad, I just dont think its on par with the rest of my system. Thanks
mrmatt
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear Mrmatt: Kuzma recomends Shelter because the Kuzma cartridges ( when Kuzma was on cartridges sale, I don't know if they still do it. ) were made by Shelter.

Now and looking to your system IMHO your peamp is a lot better with a MM cartridges than with LOMC ones.

There are some MM cartridges that IMHO not only compete with some of the MC name it here but that even outperform it.
If I was you my " road " will be through MM alternative.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
mrmatt OP
29 posts
 
Thanks all,
sorry for delay in response. I keep upping the ante, ZYX atmos is selling for 2500 and sometimes a lightly used Xvs-1 is in the same range. I dont know anything about ZYX or any of the higher end carts. Are these comparable? Why are ZYX being sold at closeout prices? Thanks again for the patience. I am trying to learn as much as possible, and I find out the more I learn the less I think I know. If that make sense.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I believe the Atmos and Universe are discontinued. Please do not quote me here, as this was on a dealers website and may not be accurate. I heard this only from that source.
mikeyc8
174 posts
 
fwiw, a friend has the XV1s and ZYX Universe, both are great and I could live with either forever, but I think the ZYX is more dynamic and extracts slightly more from the grooves.
rossb
185 posts
 
I haven't heard the XV1-S but I have owned a 17D2 and XX-2 and found them rather dull sounding. The 17D2 lacked about an octave of bass and both Dynavectors had a light, rather cool tonal balance with a recessed midrange. I preferred the Shelter 901, with its richer tonal balance, although it was a bad match with my tonearm (an Ekos) so I ended up regretfully selling it. I also preferred the Benz Glider and L2, and the Koetsu Rosewood. The Benz cartridges are now my reference, since I find them as close to ideal as I have heard.
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