Dynavector 20XL-2 vs. Soundsmith Zypher

I own a DV 20X2 H and a Zephyr. The DV is my backup carty. I spin my vinyl on a VPI Classic (w/Classic 3 wand). The DV is very nice. That's why I couldn't let it go. But push come to shove, I think the Zephyr is a better sounding carty. Maybe it would be a closer call with the DV 20X2 L because the MC is lower mass. Dunno. But my vote is for the Zephyr.

The Zephyr is simply more detailed, better bass slam and just sounds better. This shouldn't be a big surprise because it is reputed that Harry Weisberg and Peter Ledermann sllegedly collaborated on the design of the Zephyr. Also, the Zephyr is an easier match to the JMW uni-pivot arm. In short, the DV 20X2 H is a nice carty, but keep in mind that it's kinda at the low end of MC carties. I haven't A/B'd the 20X2 H versus the L, but I surmise that the L may sound better because the MC is lower mass. If I had to choose between Zephyr OR DV 20X2, I'd go for the Zephyr.

DV 20X2 vs Zephyr update. Yesterday I swapped out my Zephyr to get it retipped. I slid the DV 20X2 H back on. I confirm my earlier posts. The DV is a nice sounding cartridge, but it just doesn't have the resolving power of the Zephyr, particularly when I spin classical music vinyl. It is very good for rock and pop -- bass really slams, but even still, the bass and lower midrange is not as tight as the Zephyr. Also, it seems that the top-end is a little "dark."