Dynavector XX-2 MKII

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Maybe my post came across a bit harsh. The whole idea behind these forums is to promote discussions about audio of all kinds, even if they sometimes do turn into debates and arguments. I'll be looking forward to your impressions as I am sure others will as well so no need to PM, share openly.

Ok.
I do recall the Crimson cable thread as being a little on the "tough love" side of the equation.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

Ok.
I do recall the Crimson cable thread as being a little on the "tough love" side of the equation.

You think that was tough love? You should try to venture out to some other forums. Gotta have thick skin when roaming around the "rabid audiophiles".

[markc2]

I'll take some Nagra with my Ear's any day. But I eat green egg's and Lamm's, so quoth the Raven.

Shindo on this, and Koetsu to you, and a Mcintosh a day will make the doctor's go away, so quoth the Raven.

Linn's and SME's may break my bank but Naims will never hurt me. So quoth the Raven.

Real people playing real music, sounds might fine to me. says Sam I am.

I've only heard Dynavector's on Rega's, one was a Rega P9, It had a great immediacy but, was lacking in the bass, could have been the recording, but it kicked the NAIM cd player they had to dust. I will say Lyra and Ear's play very well together, and I think would be worth a hearing. My dealer told me at one time the guy that runs Ayre uses a Lyra Skala. My dealer sells Lyra/EAR/Ayre/Transparent, and since PHC1 you have much of that the Lyra MIGHT be to your liking.

just curious what do you guys think the weak link in your systems are?


Mark

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Oh, the Raven/Graham changes things; didn't realize the Dynavector would eventually be mounted in that excellent combo.

I'm "sold" on the upper end of the Clearaudio MC cartridges -- especially on their gear.

If going Clearaudio, their 9 gm effective mass (low mass) Satisfy arm should really be matched to the cartridges in the compliance range of about 13-18 and cartridge weight of 6-9gm according to my calculations. I think most of the Clearaudio cartridges fall into that range? I know the Maestro Wood sounds superb on the Satisfy arm, not sure what the lower compliance Dynavector XX-2 will bring since the resonant frequency will be a bit higher but it will be interesting to find out. I already know the Phantom II and XX-2 will fall into the optimal range of 10Hz.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by PHC1

If going Clearaudio, their 9 gm effective mass (low mass) Satisfy arm should really be matched to the cartridges in the compliance range of about 13-18 and cartridge weight of 6-9gm according to my calculations. I think most of the Clearaudio cartridges fall into that range? I know the Maestro Wood sounds superb on the Satisfy arm, not sure what the lower compliance Dynavector XX-2 will bring since the resonant frequency will be a bit higher but it will be interesting to find out. I already know the Phantom II and XX-2 will fall into the optimal range of 10Hz.

I believe the first part is correct -- my 300mm clearaudio arm has a mass of 9 grams as well & the calculation I came up with is 11.0 hz. I'll take anything "tighter" in the 9 & 11hz range; rather than what some claim to be "ballpark (10-14hz).

Curious to learn what you find out with the XX-2 on the Satisfy.

I drool when I see the Phantom II.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

I believe the first part is correct -- my 300mm clearaudio arm has a mass of 9 grams as well & the calculation I came up with is 11.0 hz. I'll take anything "tighter" in the 9 & 11hz range; rather than what some claim to be "ballpark (10-14hz).

Curious to learn what you find out with the XX-2 on the Satisfy.

I drool when I see the Phantom II.

It will be a bit of a wait but I'll report back as soon as I mount it.

The Phantom II is a seriously well designed arm and sounds great from what I've gathered. It's looks also border on "audio porn". Notice the new "micropoise" bubble level for setting the VTA level, very clever!





Here is the picture of the new version of the Phantom II showing the micropoise bubble level. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/crystalref/012.jpg

[vintage_tube]

Just sweet, Serge.

Wish McIntosh would have resurrected their 80's alliance with Graham this time around (but I know why they went the way they did).

When things improve & I decide to upgrade the analog, the Phantom II will be my choice as well (unless they make a model III by that time, ha). For now, I'm completely satisfied (and that's a good thing).

[KMC45]

Phantom II in real life.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by KMC45

Phantom II in real life.

I knew someone on this forum had a Phantom II -- but couldn't think of who it was. Both you and Serge have made a fantastic choice, is all I can say.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by KMC45

Phantom II in real life.

Excellent! Graham can upgrade it for you to the latest spec if you want to do that by the way.