Why do you think that to drive LOMC cartridge you need $6k phono preamp? Some great phono preamps designed for 0.2mV MC cost under $1500. You can also use $500-700 Step-Up Transformer with your MM phono stage if the signal from MC cartridge is too low. You need low output MC or just a great MM cartridge (which can be even better). |
Get a low-output Dynavector mc (I've had several) and a $300 (approx) Bellari SUT and you'll be good to go! Will sound better than any mm cartridge (waiting for the rocks to come flying at me!). |
Better yet (lower cost) a Hana lomc with elliptical stylus + Bellari SUT for about $850+ total! |
I own 5 SUT's (Bellari, Denon, Quicksilver and 2 custom-made with Altec mic transformers). And a Marcof PPA-1 SS battery-powered head amp. Plus a whole bunch of mc and mm cartridges! |
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Just stating my credentials! |
Dynavector cartridges are very good, i have owned 3 of them including high output version DV-30A, then KARAT 17DS MR (Diamond Cantilever,
Micro Reach tip) and KARAT 23RS MR (Ruby Cantilever, Micro Reach tip).
But it is not true that Dynavector is better than any MM from the same era.
Audio-Technica AT-ML180 OCC is unbeatable, Grace LEVEL II LC-OFC BR/MR is unbeatable.
Grace gave us so many options with different cantilever/styli that interchangeable. |
Your phono stage will work fine with either cartridge. Just google the specs or a review for your answer. No reason to buy a SUT with 60db gain for MC. |
out of those two cartridges I prefer the 20X2 Low. 60db gain is fine but the load option may be high. I bet it will still sound superb!
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No you don't need a megabuck phono stage for a low MC. I started out with a Dynavector P75 (not even a later Mk version) with 60dB gain and a Benz Micro Glider L2. It was a great starting setup that made me very happy! Your CA Basic+ looks good too. Later on I tried a Benz Wood M2 (up a level from the Glider, but with higher "medium" output) and it just felt like the low-output version would've probably sounded better. Go for low output. |
I found the better the phono the more I got out of the Dynavector 20XL2. I started out w/a P75MKIII which gave me a very nice sound. I then moved to a Shaker Logic phono which has a Cinemag Blue SUT. Quieter background and a wider soundstage. Currently my Luxman CL38U-se built in phono uses 3 JJ ESS-802S tubes and 4 SUT's (2 for MC High and 2 for MCL) has taken this cart to another level. More dynamics and clarity w/a big soundstage and black background. I feel I'm getting 100% of what this cart can deliver.
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So after buying a new DV20 x 2 Low, I am very surprise by: the sound stage, precision, details and easy to listen to. Nothing to compare to the High version, (the high was good) if you have a MC phono preamp with at least 60dB out put. Dynavector, is a great cartridge. |
^ certainly is. And with a cleaning regimen, it will last you a very long time. Really enjoy mine!
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jmolsberg Around 1300 hours ?
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I’ve had mine three years and play a lot of vinyl. Clean records and some mofi lp9 stylus cleaner. you should get much better than 1300 hours is my guess. |
jmolsberg I use to clean with Nagaoka stylus cleaner every 5 LPs, but brush every side with only the brush. Do you put the stylus cleaner onto the stylys directly, or on the stylus brush ?
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jmolsberg By the way, DV20x2L offer a realy special new dimension listening to music !
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^ I share your sentiments. Yes. Stylus cleaner on the stylus and with other hand use the stylus brush to dry. Do that a couple times and approximately once a week. I also brush those records and keep them pretty clean 😃 |
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