Dynavector XX Mk II

Moonguy and Opus88, what differences do you notice in the XX mk II's performance between the 100 ohm loading and the 1000 ohm loading?

Currently I am loaded at 100 ohms, switching to 1000 ohms is no small task, as the resistors are well hidden and hard wired into my Cary SLP-98P F1 w/ MC phono stage. I just mounted my new XX mk II last night, and though it sounds very good in the bass and midrange, I feel like there is something missing in the high frequencies.

Thanks Jeff and Brf, I suppose I'll just have to be patient. I thought that break-in may be an issue, but I didn't know just how much of a difference it would make. I've had sound change over time with some components, but very rarely does it change drastically. I can remember one experience with an interconnect when the sound changed drastically over time though, so it is a possiblility.

I really like the bass and midrange performance of the XX mk II, but the high's are definitely too rolled off for me. I know that it is a new cartridge, and a new preamp too, so I will be patient. That is not easy for me. ;-)

Jeff, you were corrct the first time, that review is for the XX mk II, I know, I read it. It also further concerned me about the loading issue because I read this in that review:

Interestingly, whilst the technical sheet that comes with the cartridge recommends a 30 ohm loading, the Dynavector web site recommends load impedance of >30 ohms. The Delphini offers load impedance settings of 33, 100, 1k or 47k ohms. I found that I could detect differences with all load settings used with the XX-2, suggesting that the cartridge is sensitive to this aspect of set up. This is an important point and anyone investing in this cartridge should pair it with a phono stage that provides this option. Personally I preferred the 1k ohm setting.

I'm going to wait and give this cartridge a month or so to open up. Hopefully it does. If it doesn't, then I have some decisions to make, whether to look for another cartridge to match with my gear, or look for more gear to match with this cartridge. Sheesh........ :-)

Sorry for the confusion Vusi, the SUT was never meant to be used with the Cary's MC phono input. I realize this would not work. The SUT is just in case I cannot make the Dyna work with the Cary, I also have a VAC preamp with MM phono stage, that is where the SUT would be used.

However, in other good news, after several more attempts of playing with the VTA, I seem to be in a much better listening shape now. I also lowered the VTF from 2.0 to 1.9. I know I still need more hours on the XX mk II, but at least we are in the ballpark now, sonically.

The high frequencies have now appeared, but there is still that nice, tight bass. Midrange is very good, but not stunning. Fortunately, midrange bloom is one area where the Cary SLP-98P excels, so I think this will make for a great combo.