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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
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
IMHO, this is money poorly spent and you would be better off upgrading the Rega P2 than plowing more money into a Shelter or Koetsu Black.

But to answer your question, a good friend of mine, who runs a Rega P5, upgraded to the 20XH from the 10X5 and had exactly the same reaction that you did. Not that the cartridge was bad, just that he did not think that it was much, if any, of an improvment. Funny enough, I had a 20Xl on loan, and it differs from the 20XH in having a line contact stylus, rather than the elliptical of the 20XH, and I thought it to be an excellent performer that was perhaps just a bit dymamically reigned in. YMMV and good luck with the hunt.
livin_262002 OP
101 posts
 
Thanks for the input Viridian. I thought about that too, but was unable to make up my mind, the DL160 is getting old and the Dyna is not to my taste. So wasn't sure which way to go.

I did audition Nottingham Interspace Jr, it was good but doesn't have the pace of the Rega a little too warm for my taste. Any TT recommendations?
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
04-14-14: Livin_262002
Any TT recommendations?

What is your price range? Try a Basis 1400 if you can swing it. Much more revealing than Rega, VPI, Nottingham, etc.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The P2 is a great table, but there are any number of better choices. If you enjoy the pacey sound of the Regas then a P6 or P8 if it's in the budget, is a very large step up from the P2. The little Avid table is very nice as are the Michell turntables.

If you want to take a leap of faith then idler drive turntables are very pacey, but you would be getting into vintage with a Thorens TD124 or Garrard 301 which both demand a bit of maintenance.
dayglow
708 posts
 
Livin 262002-I also agree the Rega P2 is the weak link in your system. IMO a used P7 would be a better way to spend $1500+ then on a cartridge.
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