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Dynavector 20xH - Boring Presentation?

Hello All,

I recently swapped out a Denon DL160 for Dynavector DV 20xH, I let the cart break in for about 25 hrs so far. The presentation of the Dyna is rather boring when compared to the economical 160. The midrange and the bass are good but the top end is no where close to the 160. It lacks the sparkle at the top. And the dynamics also seem to be more immediate with 160. I'm I missing something here .

I'm using a 4mm spacer under the tonearm, so VTA seems to be close to 98.5 degrees, so no issues there. Used Mint LP Tractor to set-up both the carts.

I'm trying hard to like the dyna, but I keep going back to the 160. Here is the reset of my system ...

Rega P2 (RB 250 with Michell Tecnoweight)
EAR 834P MM/MC Phono Stage (Acoustic Zen Matrix Interconnects)
Audio Analogue Verdi Settanta Int Amp
Sonus Faber Venere 2.5 speakers (Nordost BH cables)
livin_262002
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Livin, I've done the DV20X2 H. Pull my threads and you'll catch some of my comments. Between you, me and the wall, I had the same reaction as you.

I recall switching the DV out for the Soundsmith VPI Zephyr, which IMO, sounded better. However, I've currently settled on the Lyra Kleos. In between was the Lyra Delos, which I think knocks the socks off both the Dynavector and the Zephyr.

If you only want to drop $1650 on a cartridge, the Delos is for you. If you want to spring for a little more, the Kleos is the cartridge to have.

Two caveats. The Kleos' output is .5 mVolts. The Delos is a little more. So make sure your rig has enough gain headroom. The other is tonearm compatibility. The Kleos and Delos are low/mid compliance cartridges. I don't know what the effective mass of your tonearm is. Just be sure the match is good if you want to go the Lyra route.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
What made you go with the high output version? Your EAR shouldn't have a problem with the low. I ask only because I have one and am pretty happy with it. Either way, put a few more hours on it before you make a decision. You should definitely hear some nice improvements going from 25 to 50 hours. Personally, I go 100 just to be on the safe side.

Another upgrade you may want to consider is a speed control. Believe it or not, they make a very nice difference. Rega TT's are know to run a little fast.
livin_262002 OP
187 posts
 
Bifwynne, at this time I'm contemplating between Shelter 501 MKIII and Koetsu Black. I'll be auditioning both and see which ones I like. None of the local dealers carry Lyra so auditioning that will be difficult. Same is the case with Dynavector so had to purchase bases on online reviews. Yes, my phono EAR 834P has sufficient gain for carts as low as .2mv so that's not going to be an issue.

Zd542, the reason I went with high was a concern of impedance mismatch between the cart and the phono pre for the low cart. Will have to wait and see how Shelter and Koetsu perform.

Thank you all for the valuable suggestions
rockyboy
335 posts
 
Livin - is it a general practice of dealers to allow in-home auditions of cartridges? What are the terms? If you decide not to purchase the cartridge, does the dealer then sell it "as new" to an unsuspecting buyer? Reason I ask is I plan on replacing my Glider for either a Wood or LyraDelos down the road.
livin_262002 OP
187 posts
 
RockyBoy,

My dealer usually loans me his demo carts. The advantage is the cart is already broken in, so you get to hear the cart's full potential. If I like the cart, he'll order a new one for me. He'll give you an option to buy his demo cart for 30-50% off new retail, so the choice is mine whether to keep the demo or buy a new one. He does keep a deposit for the value of the cart (50% of new retail). Never had problems with the terms.

Hope this helps
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