Dynavector XX Mk II

I have the same cartridge running it with a Zesto Andros phono stage.Gain is 65.I can increase the volume 10 db in any input in my preamp which I did.

On a side note.I had read 1 review where the reviewer preferred this cartridge at the 1000 ohm setting.Incidently, George , the owner of Zesto runs his XX2mk11 at 1000 ohms also.I tried it and won't be going back to the 100 ohm setting.

Your gain at 58 may be a little too low.

I also use the XX2 Mk2 , with the EAR 88PB phono preamp, whose gain is at least 72db. Hard for me to enjoy it at a load of about 100 ohms. MUCH better, I find, at around 1000 ohms.

I use a SUT with this cartridge. My phono stage had 58 db of gain and the dynavector lacked dynamics. K & K has a SUT that can be set at 14 db and would put your total at 72. After inserting the step up I had all the dynamics and gain with a much blacker background.

Moonguy and Opus88, what differences do you notice in the XX mk II's performance between the 100 ohm loading and the 1000 ohm loading?

Currently I am loaded at 100 ohms, switching to 1000 ohms is no small task, as the resistors are well hidden and hard wired into my Cary SLP-98P F1 w/ MC phono stage. I just mounted my new XX mk II last night, and though it sounds very good in the bass and midrange, I feel like there is something missing in the high frequencies.

Jmcgrogam2, don't even think about playing around with loading untill the cart has between 50-100 hours of break-in. The recessed highs will open up once the cart breaks in.