Головки звукоснимателя — Dynavector 20X2 L

The 20X2 L is the low-output version of the DV 20X2 moving-coil phono cartridge from Dynavector, a Japanese maker that has built affordable moving-coil designs for more than 35 years, including high-output types intended for MM inputs. The pair was sold as 20X2-H and 20X2-L, and the model is now discontinued, with the DV 20X2A-H/L taking its place in the catalogue. This is the L variant, aimed at owners who already own a phono preamplifier with a dedicated MC setting or a separate transformer for MC use.

Key specs that matter

Output is 0.3 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/sec, from a coil with an internal impedance of 5 ohms. Dynavector recommends a load above 30 ohms. Frequency response runs from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz within 2 dB, channel separation is 25 dB at 1 kHz and channel balance is held to 1.0 dB. Compliance is quoted as 12 mm/N, and the tracking force window is 1.8 to 2.2 g. The complete cartridge weighs 9.2 g.

Engineering and use context

A Micro-Ridge nude diamond is mounted on a cantilever made from a 6 mm length of hard aluminium pipe. The body is machined from solid aluminium alloy and holds the magnet assembly rigidly, which is why the cartridge is heavier than many entry moving-coil designs. Neodymium magnets drive the generator, and Dynavector applies two of its own techniques to the magnetic circuit - flux damping and softened magnetism - both intended to stabilise the field that the moving coils see while the stylus traces the groove. The H version used the same mechanical parts but a different coil, which raised output to 2.8 mV and impedance to 150 ohms, so picking one version over the other depends only on the phono input at hand, with stylus and cantilever unchanged. Tracking force and compliance were likewise identical across both versions.

Pairing

Such a low signal level needs a phono preamplifier offering a dedicated moving-coil gain setting, or else a head amp or transformer for stepping up voltage, because a plain MM input will not raise it far enough. Any loading option at or above the recommended minimum suits it, so many preamplifiers with fixed 100 ohm MC inputs will work without adjustment. The fairly high mass and moderate compliance point to a medium-mass tonearm, and a headshell with enough counterweight range to balance it at the stated tracking force.

Alternatives

Buyers wanting a lighter and lower-cost Dynavector option with the same low output can look at the ASKA-L, which uses an elliptical stylus in a 5.8 g body.