Dynavector XX2 MKII initial impressions.

[PHC1]

The XX2MKII is continuing to break in and is really blossoming into a very musical cartridge. It has a very smooth sonic signature with a hint of sweetness and warmth in the mids and bass is really superb. Detailed without sounding overly analytical, warm without sounding colored, has effortless dynamics and a very pleasant tonal balance that is both musical and exciting to listen to. Somehow this cartridge seems to flush out even more emotional content from music buried in the grooves over the Maestro Wood. Very nice cartridge! Loading it down with 100 ohms seems to really hit the sweet spot in my system.

[W9TR]

Serge,
How is the new cart holding up? I'm currently using a Dynavector DV 17D3 and would like something with a little more bass definition. I really like the DV 'house sound' which is very uncolored compared to some other cartridges I've used. Also curious, how you adjust azimuth?

Thanks,

Tom

[Tonepub]

You should love that cartridge on the Raven. I'm using an XV-1s on mine and it is superb!

[PHC1]

I think the XX2 MKII is finally broken in, I have not noticed any more significant changes in sound listening to my reference vinyl used for the purpose of tracking the changes. It has settled down into a seriously musical sonic signature. It has a full bodied, meaty tonality, not overly dark though, bass is very, very impressive. Top end air and micro details are not the absolute best compared to the much more expensive cartridges I've heard but I actually prefer the cartridge to be a bit more smoother and forgiving rather than extra resolving, I am not missing much but I am rewarded with a very pleasant and musical tonal balance with great "macro" dynamics. Not an introvert nor an extravert of a cartridge, somewhere down the middle, maybe a click or two on the warmer side of neutral, of course different loading and different VTA can change that somewhat in a hurry but I've nailed it down to my preference. Great cartridge IMHO.

[PHC1]

Next step in tweaking out my setup further will be an outer ring and a carbon fiber mat for the table. Looking forward to trying out those accessories from TT Weights and Jeff A/V Solutions.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I think the XX-2 is finally broken in, I have not noticed any more significant changes in sound listening to my reference vinyl used for the purpose of tracking the changes. It has settled down into a seriously musical sonic signature.

How long (in hours) did it take to reach this point, Serge?

Bob

[PHC1]

Bob, I am a liitle shy of 40 hours. The Maestro Wood took a bit longer to completely stabilize by the way.

[cmalak]

New review from Positive Feedback on the XX2 mk2: dynavector

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by cmalak

New review from Positive Feedback on the XX2 mk2: dynavector

Thanks for the link Cyril. Interesting review. Our systems are about as different as can be so no wonder my impression of the XX2MKII while having some similarities, was also a bit different. Seems we both liked the cartridge a lot but for slightly different reasons.