Dynavector XX-2A
With vivid detail, natural vocal colour and a propulsive rhythmic grip, the Dynavector XX-2A makes vinyl feel immediate and richly physical. The Ear heard tight, tuneful bass and unrestrained expression, while Positive Feedback praised its realism, scale and explosive dynamics. Its boron cantilever and line-contact stylus bring finesse, weight and musical momentum to serious analogue systems.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
94/100
Pros
Delivers detailed, dynamic and highly engaging sound with natural, expressive vocals and strong rhythmic flow.
Combines tight, weighty, tuneful bass with convincing realism, balance and authority across diverse music.
Retrieves fine instrumental textures, dynamic contrasts and convincing orchestral scale.
Cons
Performance benefits from careful loading and tracking-force setup; one review found vocals more recessed at 100 ohms and preferred 30 ohms with 1.8g tracking force.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviews portray the XX-2A as a highly resolved yet musically involving low-output MC, combining natural vocals, tight and tuneful bass, strong dynamics and a persuasive sense of realism. Its presentation is consistently described as balanced, energetic and rhythmically fluent, although loading choice can affect vocal presence and openness.
Overall Sound
94/100
Positive Feedback heard authority, finesse, realism, tonal balance and convincing bass-to-treble coherence, while The Ear found the sound detailed, dynamic and deeply engaging. Vocals are described as natural, expressive and uncoloured, with the cartridge also praised for pace, timing and its ability to convey musical momentum.
Tracking Retrieval
92/100
The Pathfinder line-contact stylus retrieves fine string texture, finger movement, decay and low-level instrumental contributions that can disappear in a busy mix. Reviewers also report clean, tight percussion, easy-to-follow fast piano runs and a slightly lower groove-noise floor; The Ear found the most open and fluid result at 1.8g rather than 2g.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Positive Feedback was impressed by the recorded scale and acoustic character of London's Kingsway Hall, alongside the cartridge's ability to resolve orchestral textures and peaks. Direct comments on image placement, stage width and depth are otherwise limited.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The XX-2A's 8.9g body and 10mm/N compliance make it a practical fit for a variety of suitably matched tonearms, and its threaded mounting holes make installation notably easier. As a 0.28mV low-output MC, it still needs a quiet, appropriately gain-capable phono stage and benefits from careful loading adjustment.
Tonearm Compatibility
88/100
Positive Feedback calls the 10mm/N compliance tonearm-friendly and says the cartridge is readily usable across a variety of arms. The Ear found mounting straightforward because bolts thread directly into the body, but listeners will need suitable MC gain and should experiment around the recommended loading, with 30 Ohms preferred in that review.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
The XX-2A combines a machined aluminium chassis with a solid boron cantilever and Pathfinder line-contact stylus. The Ear also notes hand-torqued stainless-steel bolts securing the magnetic-circuit yokes, while Positive Feedback found the anodised bodywork cleanly and purposefully executed.
Value for Money
94/100
At £1,799, The Ear calls the XX-2A excellent value for money and gives it an enthusiastic recommendation within its price class. Positive Feedback likewise reports performance that compares favourably with moving-coil cartridges selling for several times its $2,250 asking price.
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Specifications
- Type
- low output moving coil cartridge with flux damper and alnico magnet
- Output Voltage
- 0.28 mV (at 1KHz, 5cm/sec.)
- Channel Separation
- 30 dB (at 1KHz)
- Channel balance
- 1.0 dB (at 1KHz)
- Frequency response
- 20 - 20,000 Hz(±1dB)
- Compliance
- 10 mm/N
- Tracking force
- 1.8 - 2.2 g
- Impedance
- 6 ohms
- Recommended load impedance
- > 30 ohms
- Cantilever
- 6mm length solid boron
- Stylus tip
- PF Line contact shape, stylus radius: 7 x 30 micron
- Weight
- 8.9 g
Manufacturer's Description — Dynavector
Introducing the Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit
While an exceptional vibration system is essential for a high-performance MC cartridge, we emphasise the critical role of the magnetic circuit. The cartridge's output signal is intricately tied to the movement of the vibration system within the magnetic circuit, where electricity is generated as the coil vibrates amidst the magnetic flux.
To ensure optimal output, it is imperative that the magnetic flux maintains high density and stability. We employ pure iron for our magnetic circuit due to its high magnetic permeability and exceptional stability, resulting in a distortion-free output. However, the processing of metal parts often distorts the crystal structure at the atomic level, leading to a loss of magnetic permeability.
Magnetic annealing, a process of heating and cooling processed parts, is crucial for restoring the distorted metal crystal structure and regenerating magnetic permeability. However, a generic magnetic annealing cannot fully restore distortions in the crystal structure. The magnetic annealing conditions vary depending on the parts material, size, shape, etc. Our recent development focused on finding the best magnetic annealing process, including temperature, environment, duration, and heating and cooling rates. This meticulous approach has enabled us to unleash the full potential of pure iron's unique magnetic performance.
The new magnetic circuit has significantly enhanced sound quality, delivering unrivalled resolution, smooth wide-range expression, and expansive sound field. Experience the natural and dynamic sound of the Dynavector XX-2A phono cartridge, where an exceptional vibration system harmonises seamlessly with an optimised magnetic circuit.
Benefits of Magnetic Annealing
Magnetic annealing rejuvenates the distorted crystal structure, restoring magnetic permeability to its original state.
Features of XX-2A phono cartridge
Alnico magnet and Flux Damping
Incorporating Alnico magnets with low magnetic resistance into the magnetic circuit, the XX-2A phono cartridge ensures minimal fluctuation in magnetic force during record playback. Compared to mainstream high-energy rare-earth magnets, such as samarium cobalt and neodymium boron, Alnico magnets contribute to a high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and excellent transient response. Additionally, patented Flux Damping technology stabilises magnetic flux within the air gap, ensuring consistent performance akin to higher-tier models.
High Rigidity Magnetic Circuit
Crafted with stainless bolts securing the front and rear yokes along with the magnets, the XX-2A phono cartridge boasts a high-rigidity magnetic circuit. Skilled artisans meticulously adjust tightening torque during assembly, a process crucial for maintaining sound quality and ensuring optimal performance for each unit.
Low-Output MC Cartridge
With an output voltage of 0.28mV, the XX-2A conforms to the general level for MC cartridges, making it compatible with various amplifiers and transformers including the SUP-200. With a recommended load impedance of more than 30 ohms that ensures suitability for different load settings, including 47k ohms (phono stage input).
Compliance
Featuring a compliance of 10mm/N and weighing 8.9g, the XX-2A phono cartridge is compatible with a wide range of tonearms, from light to medium mass. We recommend the use of a light weight headshell to optimise performance.
Solid Boron Cantilever
The XX-2A phono cartridge is equipped with a 6mm length solid boron cantilever, coupled with a PathFinder (PF) line contact stylus, creating a lightweight and rigid vibration system for enhanced playback accuracy.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Dynavector XX-2A
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Anagram Audio — online and in-store — Bury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Archer High Fidelity — in-store — Washington, Virginia, United States (website)
and 122 more verified dealers