Sumiko Blackbird or Dynavector 20x for VPI?

Hi!
Amazing - I came down to the same two carts for my VPI, and ended up going with the Blackbird, for that nth degree of detail and air around instruments over the 20x, which had a bit more bottom end depth in my system (Audio Physic Virgos/Audible Illusions M3A/Nuforce Ref 9s). YMMV, as they say, but after extensive listening, the Blackbird won out, and I've been blissfully happy ever since.
Good luck and enjoy the music!
Slaw3

In discussing my cartridge options with the folks at VPI they emphatically endorsed the Dynavector over all other choices in my price range, indicating that the cartridge weight, compliance, etc. were perfectly suited to the Scout series. I went with a 20XH as a result and was very pleased with the performance. I then upgraded to the 20XM made specially for VPI and found it to be faster and slightly more detailed than the higher output version. This was not a huge difference but was "worth" the price difference, in my view. I haven't heard the Blackbird, though I'm sure it is quite good. Here I think the issue is that the Dyna simply mates better with the Scout series table than most other cartridges. I think when you are using a unipivot arm the design parameters of the cartridge become more critical. I'd go with the folks who build the table on this one and buy the Dyna.

Both are excellent. You really need to listen.

When I purchased my table(Scoutmaster)I called VPI and low and behold--Harry answered the phone.He recommended both the Dynavector and the Blackbird.I'm using a 20X low output with the new Karat body style that I recently purchased from Quest For Sound.I know Steve at Quest is fond of the Grado Sonata on the Scout and Scoutmaster.I'm still breaking in the 20X.It is much faster and more detailed than the Benz 2H that it replaced.The Benz did have a warmer and fuller presentation.

Larry

Dear Gnuear: Both are very good cartridges but I think that the VPI special version Dyna is a better match that the Sumiko for your VPI TT/tonearm.

Anyway, the Dynavector cartridges have a great reputation for many years, this cartridge builder is not a " newcomer " and is very well respected. Btw, here it is a review on that Dyna cartridge:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue3/dynavector.htm

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

cant speak for te dynavector but have the blackbird and love it