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Cartridge advice needed, dynavector 20xh now what?

Hello, I am wondering what cartridges would be a big step up from my Dynavector 20xh without breaking the bank. I won't specify a price other than below $1500 retail new and hopefully less. I purchased the Dyna 20xh to use with my Spacedeck/Anna tonearm because I only had a mm phono pre built in my DK Design amp. I have since picked up the new Eastern Electric Tube Minimax phono pre that has mm/mc low & mm high inputs. I am loving vinyl & my setup. I wonder how much better things will get if I upgrade the cartridge end of things. I would continue to look within the Dynavector line but also hear an awful lot of good things about ZYX cartridges. At this point I am really just hoping to hear suggestions from users or different MC carts who could give me an idea on the range of improvement to be expected. I haven't played a cd since I got the Spacedeck spinning. I have been buying vinyl every week & having a blast. Thanks again for all the help along the way.
nicksgem10s
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
I second, or third, contacting Mehran. He can surely help you out with a ZYX. Great guy to buy from, good deals and a really nice fellow.

Bob
biomimetic
252 posts
 
Mehran is one of the coolest mofo's on 'gon.
phillykid
35 posts
 
I'll fourth the opinions about Mehran,he is a class act!
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Nicksgem10s,

It doesn't seem like ZYX and Mehran need any more recommendations, but I'll offer mine anyway!

The first-hand reports from Dyna 20XH and 20XL owners are interesting. I don't remember seeing those particular Dyna's compared to a ZYX before.

My comparison around your price point would be a Shelter 901 vs. ZYX Airy 2, both of which I've owned. The ZYX outplayed the Shelter in every musical category except raw energy, where the 901's somewhat crude dynamics give it a an edge - literally. If I were a metalhead I might prefer the 901. For natural or acoustic music of any genre the Airy 2 is overwhelmingly better.

Of course the Airy 2 is more expensive than the 901 ($1,950 vs. $1,500), but its superiority was so great I'd expect the $1,500 ZYX (R100 Fuji from Mehran) to outplay a 901 also.

If you go with a ZYX you'll want to increase effective mass on your SpaceArm a bit for optimum dynamics and bass. A 5 gram headshell weight would be about right. ZYX offers an optional weight for the Airy 2 and above that suits most tonearms, but it's not available on their lower priced cartridges. Aftermarket and DIY weights are easy enough to find, so this really shouldn't be an issue.

Good luck in your search and enjoy whatever you choose,
Doug
mdconnelly
131 posts
 
One more vote for ZYX and Mehran... I recently replaced a Benz M2 cartridge with a ZYX Fugi. A huge step up and I haven't stopped spinning vinyl since. Incredibly neutral, detailed, balanced top to bottom with a wonderfully 3D soundstage.

And as the posts here attest, Mehran is a total class act. Super helpful and of highest integrity. If you're in the market for a great cartridge at a good price, the ZYX cartridges from Mehran/SORASound should definitely be on your short list.
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