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Dynavector XX2MK2 vs. Soundsmith "The Voice"

I'm looking at these two cartridges to replace my Dyna 20XM. Table is a VPI Scout/JMW9 running into a Whest PS.30R then on to an ARC LS26. I'm thinking the Dyna will mate better in the JMW9 but "The Voice" may be more dynamic and robust sounding, which is what I'm after in the upgrade. I heard "The Voice" on a VPI but in a totally unfamiliar system. Thoughts? Anyone compare these two in a Scout?
128x128dodgealum
siniy123
166 posts
 
I would like to make a note that Soundsmith diamond is not nude mounted on ruby cantilever. It fixed with fair amount of glue. I guess Soundsmith doesn't have the technology to make rectangular hole in ruby cantilever to mount it the way it done in B&O MMC1 and MMC2 (these use tube sapphire cantilevers).
Actually Qudio-technica AT-OC9 MLII and AT33PTG is doing the same, which was unheard of during heyday of analog.
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
Thom's comments on the XX2 match my experience. I went from a 20X-H to an XX1-H (the precursor to the XX2) and although I did get more refinement and texture I definitely lost some punch and dynamics. I do plan on putting the old 20X-H back into the system sometime this winter just to give a listen and see which one I truly prefer.

Don't get me wrong, it sounds damn nice, but I still know that I lost something that I had before, so I'm curious.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I prefer both the 17D2 MKII and the xx2 MKII over the 17D3. In my system the XX2 MKII has greater dynamics, is definitly more refined, and looses the brightness, and grian, i got sometimes with the 17D3. Also, IMO the original XX2 seemed a little slow and slightly soft in comparison the the newer MKII version. I'm a big fan of the Dynavectors , but compared to each other these were some things I noticed.
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