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Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

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Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby KenCalgary » 03 Jul 2012 22:36

I recently purchased a Dynavector XX2 cartridge to replace the 20XL on my modified Technics SL1210 turntable. Some had told me, an upgrade of that magnitude would be hampered by the ability of the Technics, especially the tonearm. I felt, as did others, that the Technics was capable and I was itching to try a better cartridge. I had been given several good options, including the Dynavector 17D3, the Lyra Delos and others. I selected the XX2 for a few reasons: I already liked the sound of the 20XL, I could buy the XX2 for a lower price than the Lyra and only a little more than the 17D3, and since the XX2 had similar characteristics to the 20XL I didn't have to change my SUT loading or other parameters.

I've modified stock Technics headshells with DH Labs pure silver leads (I had one of their initial sets for the 20XL so ordered another for the XX2 headshell). The XX2 is not broken in as I only played three LP sides today: One side each of The Royal Ballet 'Gala Performances', Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours' and ABBA Singles 'First Ten Years'.

My initial impression is that there is greater separation of instruments so there is more detail, more transparency and better imaging. The wonderful - to my ears - 20XL sound remains but it is "better". I will have to sit down and go back and forth between the 20XL and XX2 to properly define what I mean by "better" but that's all I have now.

Is spending more $$$ for the XX2 worth it? It depends! I can best explain it by referring to seating at a philharmonic concert in my city: You may be happy with seats on the main floor but if you get to sit in the middle of the Dress Circle everything becomes clearer. If you don't mind spending the money I think the XX2 is a worthwhile upgrade.
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Re: Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby Hanuman » 04 Jul 2012 03:05

Yes, the 20XL is already good. Getting the XX2 for less than a Delos is a good buy.
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Re: Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby LeeS » 04 Jul 2012 10:52

I had a 20XL and auditioned an XX-2 at home. Stunning cart for sure, but then I made the mistake of auditioning the Te-Kaitora after the XX-2. I stumped up for the TK. If you think the XX-2 is good, the TK takes it to another level again.

Sadly that was a while ago now, it got damaged and I have moved on....

Nice cart though. Enjoy !!
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Re: Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby KenCalgary » 04 Jul 2012 14:32

Lee, I will NOT make the mistake of auditioning a Te-Kaitora. My bank account can't take the punishment (because I know I would want one).
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Re: Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby LeeS » 04 Jul 2012 14:50

=D> You are a better man than I .... :lol:

Seriously though, that XX-2 is fantastic. \:D/
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Re: Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby SteveA2 » 04 Jul 2012 22:44

KenCalgary wrote:I recently purchased a Dynavector XX2 cartridge to replace the 20XL on my modified Technics SL1210 turntable. Some had told me, an upgrade of that magnitude would be hampered by the ability of the Technics, especially the tonearm. ...........I think the XX2 is a worthwhile upgrade.

When I upgraded from a Denon DL103r to an XX2 MkII on my PL-71 I received similar advice and it proved to be correct. This is not to say that the XX2 was not a significant improvement over the DL103r on the Pioneer, but it was not till I put it on a WTL Versalex that I really heard just how good it really was. The difference was not at all subtle.

I initially bought the XX2 in the knowledge that I might not hear it at its best on the PL-71 but I already had it in mind that I might eventually put it on an Amadeus. Like you, and for the same reason, I have not auditioned the TKR, although I may eventually relent on that after my toy money account has recovered from buying the Versalex and the yet to be purchased new lens for my camera.


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Re: Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby KenCalgary » 05 Jul 2012 01:06

Hi Steve, I agree that there might be even more to be heard from the Dyna XX2 with a super turntable/tonearm, but had I not tried it with the Technics I would have assumed - from the remarks - that there would be no joy.
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Re: Initial Impression: Dyna XX2 versus 20XL

Postby Cobra2 » 06 Jul 2012 19:42

Still dreaming of my own XX2, after having set one up for a friend in a Technics SP-10MkII/custom plinth/AudiOrigami 11"-arm/PassLabs X-ONO system...WOW...
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