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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
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.
ducatirider
111 posts
 
i don't own a Shelter but do own an XX-2 MkII. I made the choice based on the stylus profile. All Shelters have an Elliptical profile but the XX-2 MkII has a Line Contact profile. There's obviously more to the design but I figure it all starts in the groove.
jeff1225
172 posts
 
I own the Shelter 5000 and could not be more happy. It is sooth and detailed and tracks extremely well. It has all the dynamic range I could ever ask for.

Hovland Hp-100
Pass 350.5
Transrotor Fat BobS
SME VI
utahusker
44 posts
 
"I haven't heard the XV1-S but I have owned a 17D2 and XX-2 and found them rather dull sounding."
Hmmm, my XX-2 MK2 is far from dull. I guess it's all about synergy.
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