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Upgrade a Dynavector 20X2 H on a VPI table

I'm looking to upgrade my current Dyna 20X2 HO on a Scoutmaster with a Classic 3 arm, with a Audio Research PH7 phono stage feeding a Reference 5.

What I love about the 20X2 is the fantastic bass and big sound it produces. What I think is missing is a smoother upper midrange going into the high end and better resolution. I've recently tried a Lyra Delos and was really dissapointed...it had none of the excitement of the Dyna. Bass was substantially less developed, and it seemed more sensitive to surface noise. So then I stepped up to the Kleos, which at 0.5 MV output is the lowest output I think is acceptable to use with the PH7. The Kleos has a very smooth midrange and very low surface noise, but I still think the bass is just not as good as the Dyna. I'm beginning to think the Lyra house sound is just too polite and boring for my taste.

So what do you guys suggest? Maybe I just like Dynavectors, but stepping up the line they are all low output. Would the 20X2 VPI version with 1mv output be any different in sound? Is there anything out there that gives the big sound of the 20X2 and also give you better resolution and low surface noise? Would the Soundsmith VPI Zephyr do the trick?

Thanks for your opinions!
lanetim
brf
1,715 posts
 
Can ARC modify the PH7 to increase the gain??
lanetim OP
23 posts
 
Unfortunately the only way to increase the gain is to use a step up or move to another phono stage like the Reference Phono 2SE, which has 74db gain potential...no doubt a superb product but even more $$. My wife would probably kill me for sure.

Bifwynne, I'm beginning to think the Zephyr is the solution. I think it is the fantastic bass which is what I feel is so appealing about the Dyna. Is the Zephyr equally good?

Thanks, guys, for jumping in!
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Lanetim, IMHO, the Zephyr is better than the DV 20X2 H. I agree with your most recent post re increasing gain. For better or worse, we're stuck with 58 db. Ditto re the wives. FWIW, I have heard that the PH-8 is a close second to the Ref Phono 2 (not SE). And between you and me, the PH-8 is NOT in another league from the PH-7. The PH-7 is a terrific phono pre ---- period!!
lanetim OP
23 posts
 
Bifwynne, thanks for all your input...I'm going to try the Zephyr!
lanetim OP
23 posts
 
OK, it's been a couple of days with a new Zephyr, and I have to say it looks like the solution. I find it hard to believe it trounces both the Lyra Delos and Kleos in terms of musicality and bass response, but there you go...sounds great so far and only 10 hrs on the cartridge. I will say the finish is not in the same class, but who cares...it's what it sounds like that is important. Thanks, Bifwynne, for pointing me in this direction!
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