Головки звукоснимателя — Dynavector ASKA-H/L

The ASKA-H/L is the entry-level moving-coil cartridge from Dynavector, the Japanese analogue specialist, offered in two versions that share the same stylus, cantilever and body but differ in coil winding and output. The ASKA-H is meant for ordinary MM phono inputs, while the ASKA-L suits step-up transformers and head amplifiers. Every unit is hand-assembled and individually inspected in Japan, and the model was introduced as a way into moving-coil playback for owners of modest turntables.

Key specs that matter

The ASKA-H delivers 2.8 mV at 1 kHz and 5 cm/sec from a coil of 150 ohms and asks for a load above 1,000 ohms, which the standard 47 kohm MM input satisfies. The ASKA-L produces 0.3 mV from 5 ohms and wants more than 30 ohms of loading. Both cover 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz within 2 dB, with 25 dB of channel separation and 1.0 dB channel balance at 1 kHz. Compliance is 12 mm/N and the recommended tracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 g. Each version weighs 5.8 g.

Engineering and use context

An elliptical diamond is fitted to a 6 mm cantilever of hardened aluminium, and the elongated contact line of that profile is chosen to follow fine high-frequency groove modulation. Dynavector estimates the useful life of this stylus at about 500 to 800 hours of play. The magnetic circuit uses specially annealed pure iron together with a neodymium magnet treated with the patented Softened Magnet technique, which the company applies to reduce distortion. Threaded M2.5 holes are cut directly into the body, so screws go straight into the cartridge body with no separate nuts to hold, which makes alignment quicker for first-time installers. The high-output version removes the need for a head amplifier or step-up transformer, a practical point for systems built around an amplifier with only an MM input.

Pairing

The ASKA-H connects straight to an MM phono stage or to a turntable with a built-in preamplifier set for MM. The ASKA-L needs a proper moving-coil stage with enough gain, or else a step-up transformer placed before an MM input, which Dynavector names as the intended partners for this version. The light body together with moderate compliance suits the medium-mass tonearms fitted to most current turntables in this bracket, though a heavier headshell may be needed on arms with limited counterweight travel.

Alternatives

A step up in the Dynavector range is the DV 20X2A-H/L, which keeps the choice of high or low output while moving to a Micro-Ridge stylus.