[In The Groove]

Looking to improve the cart on my new VPI.  I'm looking for opinions on either of these cartridges in terms of experience and how you like the sound...likely will be mated with a good Audio Research PH3SE phono stage.  I prefer higher output for now for Dynavector unless I should be convinced otherwise.

[lcrim]

I just checked the online prices of those cartridges and they are in the $500 range.  Then I checked the gain of your phono section and at 54 dB it should be fine w/ a LOMC cartridge.  There are a number of very nice LOMC cartridges within your budget and that would work with your phono section.  There are some LOMC Ortofons and Denons that I would be comfortable in recommending unless you are set on only the two you mentioned.  The Dynavector is also offered in a LO version but you have already expressed a preference for the HO version. 

[In The Groove]

Thanks Larry, have you heard either of these two carts or others in their lines?

[Whitese]

i had the high output 20 XH  and I loved it..I just found it quite natural and quick on its feet, but I dont have that much experience with othe carts.

[lcrim]

I have heard the Dynavector 10X5 which I think is just below the 20 in their line.   I wanted to hear it because I read more than one enthusiastic review.  I was disappointed by its trackability.  It may have been less than perfectly setup but I've since read that I'm not alone in that view.  I do know of many people who like their 10X5's however.
I was wondering why you wanted to stay away from LOMC?

[In The Groove]

Well my thinking is guided by two friends who say the PH3 SE may not drive very low output carts.

[lcrim]

Unless you're line stage is totally passive and you stay above .25 mV sensiivity, you should be good.  That really isn't a huge restriction.

[BobM]

Had the Grado and loved it. Got the Dynavector 20X-H and it blew me away. It's essentially got the Grado midrange warmth (well, not quite, but it's probably one of the warmest MC's you will find), with much better speed and extension and transparency. If you are a Grado lover but are looking for something faster sounding I think the 20X-H or 20X-L is the way to go. If you are unsure of your phono stage then go for the high output version.

Enjoy,
Bob

[In The Groove]

Thanks Bob for the comments.

[In The Groove]

One of my audio friends mentioned he has a spare Sonata and will let me use it.  I'm excited to try this for free.  I'll post my impressions.

May try the Dynavector 20X later on.  This may also free up some cash for a fancy phono stage I've been auditioning.  A good weekend.

[beachbum]

hey in the groove, i am using a 20xl on my Aries three 10.5i vpi rig, i also us a zyx airy three xsb, yes the zyx is better but let me tell you the 20xl rocks and is one fine cartridge for the money, good luck with your analog rig,

[In The Groove]

Thanks beachbum.  A friend has lent me a Sonata and it sounds amazing.

I may get the 20X at some point as well.

[TommyTunes]

I have the PH3SE phono stage and I can say that it doesn't work well with medium and low output MC's. The 54db of gain is insufficient to drive a low output especially if you are using inefficient speakers like Magnepans with tube amps.  The Grado is a nice sounding cartridge with a superb midrange. 

[lcrim]

Tommytunes is correct.  If you only have 54 dB gain at the phono section and are using a passive preamp w/ little or no gain then the lower output coils will not have sufficient gain.
I've just always felt that the reduced mass of wire that is the basis for the advantage that a moving coil holds over MM is largely negated by the need for more wire to increase the output in a HOMC.