It’s all to easy to drift into the convenience of digital and streaming, especially with the rate of improvement within the format over recent years.
Analogue takes a little more work. But when you get it right, the results can be spectacular. By definition, analogue is infinitely variable. From the movement of the stylus within the record groove, the mechanics of turntable design and set up, the transmission of the electrical analogue signal through amplifier, and finally to your speakers, there’s an entire chain where you can improve any aspect, and enjoy better sound.
Let’s start at the start – the moment that the stylus hits the record. Precisely because of competition with digital, phono cartridge design and development has accelerated and we have new models from a duo of legendary analogue brands; Nagaoka and Dynavector.
Revelations in audio need not be expensive. A simple cartridge swop on a modest turntable can make a world of difference. The recently introduced Nagaoka Jewel Tone (JT) series are their best work yet. Two moving magnet catridges; the entry level JT80 Blue at $450 and the even better JT80 Black at $995 cartridges will work wonders for almost any turntable and system. Easy to fit and setup either of these Nagaoka cartridges will propel your analogue enjoyment to the next level. Both deliver a full bodied sound with real presence, yet each has it’s own distinct character – the Blue’s healthy output and excellent bass combine with great tracking and low noise to bring new life to even the most well played album.
The JT80 Black is considerably more sophisticated; the Boron cantilever and better stylus impart levels of detail and precision we’ve never heard before at this level. Yet there’s a remarkable warmth and naturalness of tone that never becomes clinical or detached.
The Nagaoka’s are so good it made me question the need to go further. The answer just arrived…
Dynavector moving coil cartridges are the stuff of audio dreams; they have always delivered unrivalled resolution, a smooth wide-range expression, and expansive sound field.
The headline improvement in technology in the new ‘A’ model is a ‘Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit’ which is explained in detail here.
The Annealing technology first appeared In March of this year (2024). Dynavector released the XX-2A which is a story in itself. What’s really exciting is that the material improvements that have made the XX-2A possible, have been translated into a considerably more affordable form in the 20X-2A.
But there’s more to better sound than just one technology; it’s all about how well this is implemented and balancing interactions and design subtleties. This is where Dynavector’s almost 50 years of experience, manufacturing, and heritage come into play.
Having owned and greatly enjoyed the original two versions, and also installed a surprisingly large number on client’s turntables over the years, I jumped at the chance to hear this cartridge for myself.
From the initial listening in the distributor’s show room it was immediately apparent that this is a very special cartridge; While there to audition new speakers and a rather nice network player, it was analogue that captivated. To be fair, the entire record playing system, turntable, phono stage, cartridge and cables cost considerably more and so better sound was too be expected. This particular distributor does know their stuff.
So the pre-release sample turned up shortly afterwards in the Totally Wired letterbox. The timing was fortuitous having just made the choice to have a fresh look at our analogue systems and carefully set up the entry level Well Tempered Simplex 2 turntable, Bill’s Phono Stage and TLC moving magnet cartridge running into NuPrime’s beguiling little all analogue integrated amplifier – the IA-9X. I was already deep into a record playing binge having belatedly discovered that the Bassocontinuo AEON light carbon fibre rack’s transformative qualities when used with a turntable.
As we said at the outset, analogue does require a little more when it comes to set up. Higher resolution means it’s more obvious when you get things right and there was a some relatively simple adjustment of tracking force, arm height and damping in order to hit the sweet spot with detail, sound staging and bass all finding the right balance.
As with many moving coil cartridges, the Dynavector does perform better at higher tracking weights – officially the range is 1.8 – 2.2 grams but note that this is at 20 degrees C. Spring down in Dunedin is just a little chillier so we ended up at 2.3 grams. There’s nothing to be afraid of in being at this level – it’s really important that the stylus sits well down in the groove, both for sound quality and reducing wear in stylus and record.
The refined stylus profile is also sensitive to arm height; up a bit at the back for more detail, down for a warmer tone and less surface noise. Varying tracking force is another way to do this should your tone arm adjustment be limited. It’s self evident when you get this right. You don’t need to be a turntable guru, just take your time, listen and trust your ears.
These steps taken, it was obvious when the new 20X-2A came on song, that this is far more than a subtle evolution of a trusted favourite.
In an increasingly digital world the Dynavector 20X-2A is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of why we enjoy audio. There’s a beautiful balance of fluidity and a cinematic presentation that is immediately obvious to even the most casual listener. Music is projected into the room, and even with a relatively modest system, the soundscape can be immersive.
As a more critical listener I’m greatly impressed with the amount of new detail I’m hearing from albums that have sustained multiple playings. The ease and smoothness in the higher registers is seductive and in line with the considerably more costly Dynavector models. The bass initially seems less prominent than was the case with the earlier 20X2 but is considerably more articulate and textured. Just as Sonus faber speakers have a particular organic quality, especially in the midrange, the Dynavector occupies similar territory. It might not be the most analytical but still transmits the leading edge of notes in a way that satisfies my acidic tastes in music while making vocals unusually clear and intelligible.
The low output version produces healthy dynamics so you won’t need a particularly high level of gain from your phono stage. I also concur with Bill Firebaugh’s advice when using his designs and opted for the 47K impedance. A logical match for the 20X-2A is obviously Dynavector’s own P75Mk4 (or any earlier version) in PE mode which I normally would have explored but are presently out of stock. Experience suggests that this would be a near unbeatable combination short of going to a considerably more costly phono stage.
Physically, the Dynavector will work well with a broad range of turntables and tonearms. My original 20X experience was with a Linn LP12 and it proved to be conclusively better than their own models. The improvements made by Rega over the years mean the same applies for this brand. Well Tempered owners tend to be Dynavector aficionados by default. The better Pro-Ject models are also in the frame.
As an immediate point of reference and comparison, the Nagaoka JT-80 Black is bettered in every regard by a good measure. So, if you are able to invest the extra, in our opinion, the Dynavector represents real value and is a fantastic choice for an all round performer with a wide variety of genres.
- Dynavector 20X-2A moving coil phono cartridge – low and high output options – NZ$1850
- For existing 20X2 owners; Exchange/replace with a new 20X-2A $1550