Dynavector introduces new cartridge models 10x5 mk2, and Karat 17DX

Dynavector has just introduced two new phono cartridge models in the 10x5 mk2, and Karat 17DX

The two new models:

10X5 Mk2 (2.8mV) - $750.00 List

17DX (.3mV) - $2250.00 List

New improvements to the 10X5 and 17D models:
The 10X5 Mk2 has received updates to the coils, cantilever material and stylus profile. This one should now track much better and have nicely extended top end response.

The 17DX takes a big jump in performance with improvements to it’s body material (now solid brass), magnet material and coils. Already a stellar performer, the improvements should have the imaging and soundstage improve further. More detailed info is available on their website:
MC Phono Cartridge | Tonearm | Dynavector International Site
-Bill

 

Thanks for the info Bill..

I have the current version of the Karat which I love and yes that is a big jump in price as well!!

I only have about 500 hrs on the current one, but maybe Bill at Fidelis might give me a great trade-in deal(-;

 

Thanks! I have the previous 10X5. When will you get a chance to listen to that cart? I'm anxious to hear what you think the improvements are.

 

The upgraded 10X5 interests me, although I understand the mk1 was/is a great cart, but with a Shibata stylus, it certainly be an upgrade. Colour me interested .

It does however put it up against the Hana SL/SH doesnt it. A quick check shows its £550, which is pretty much where the Hana is.

 

While I'm happy there are new models, the jump in price is definitely high!

10x5 = 15.4% increase
17D3 = 66.7% increase

Sure hope the difference will be worth it!

Meanwhile, that changes the order in the line, at least price-wise.

10x5
20x2
XX2
17DX

 

No idea when I'll install one. I just got in the old version, which have been hard to get. No doubt that the improvements will be as I stated though, as that is what happens when you have a finer stylus and cantilever. I am sure that there will be other subjective changes, perhaps tighter bass and imaging for the same reason

It's much about inflation. Prices can't stay still as inflation rises and still keep quality. The XX2 must be next in line for revision. The 20x2 was actually the first, and that was a few years ago.
-Bill

 

The 10x5 increase is £50 here in the UK, I suppose the question for potential customers here is, is a Shibata worth the 50 quid more than an Elliptical stylus? Although since that cost £500 anyway, which always put me off, especially since it had a £100 hike a few years ago.

 

It's a different stylus, that's for sure. Elliptical is more forgiving of imperfections (scratches and the like) but Shibata is more revealing so you end up with more detail retrieval.

Since I only buy new or NM condition LPs, I had no qualms going with something more revealing than elliptical.

 

I wonder if it will be possible to send the older model 10X5 in for an upgrade? At least for the stylus?

 

Worth a try but it would make sense to me that the upgrades would be physically incompatible with the current model.

 

There is a trade-in program. You send in your old cartridge to your dealer and they send you the new model at 20% off. That gets you a brand new cartridge of the latest spec. Alternatively you can have your old cartridge re-tipped by an aftermarket specialist. In that case, you wait for the work to be done and you get back your old cartridge with a new stylus. Some also replace the cantilever, but I've not seen full disclosure from them on how that is done. I have seen photos of the work however, and what they do in that case is to whack off the old cantilever near where it exists the body and glue on a new one, complete with stylus. It's not as pretty as they make it out to be, but you can get a better stylus profile that way, and if all goes well, the better profile should provide better tracking. In the case of an elliptical you might then opt for a Microridge style or Shibata. If you trade-in for the new cartridge, it's all new from the ground up.
-Bill

 

Ewwwwwww...

 

interesting. for those that do not like the 2m black and prefer 10x5. it will be interesting to know how the 10x5 preforms and stacks against the 2m black now?

 

Heads-up in case somebody is interested. There's a defective 10x4 on sale on UAM for a mere $50 OBO.

Theoretically, if this holds true, one could purchase this cart and exchange it for the 10x5 MKII at 20% off which would save the buyer $150, minus the $50 purchase price of the defective cart, so an extra $100 in your pocket.

Of course, you can always haggle.

 

I currently have a Dynavector 20xl2 hooked up to my Luxman CL38U-SE tube preamp. I was thinking of upgrading to an XX-2 but I may also consider the new 17D.

 

Are they keeping the older 17D3 in production? The jump is almost a grand...

 

Interesting stuff... may just put the Karat back on my radar as a worthy contender

 

That's over current pricing, remember when the 10X5 was $399? I wanna say it was around 2010-2011. It was $360 when Art Dudley reviewed it in Stereophile in 2003. Adjusted for inflation it should be just under $500. The rest is the analog cash grab.

 

Interesting developments at Dynavector, I have had the pleasure of owning both the older model 10x5 and 17D2 , both excellent cartridges at their price points. When the 10x5 was priced at £260 back in 2006 it was a true audio bargain. I'm sure both new carts will still represent good value, once I wear out my present Transfiguration I may re-visit Dynavector for a replacement.

 

Hi Bill,

Did you by any chance listen to the 10x5 Mk2 and can share with us your opinion on it, in particular on how it compares to the discontinued model.

My dealer still has a stock of the mk1 and Im not sure if i should “insist” on ordering the newer version, its slightly more expensive but not alarmingly so.

I very much like the tonality of the mk1 and curious to hear if it changed due to the Shibata profile, which from my experience usually means sharper and more analytical sound which is less to my liking.

Thanks for your time in advance.

 

I haven't heard it yet. I can say that the old 10x5 had a much harder time tracking than the 20x. That was due to the stylus profile upgrade on the 20x. So with the new 10x5 mk2, you are getting what is likely a very familiar sound but with much improved tracking due to the finer stylus. Stylus profile is directly responsible for tracking ability and is often the largest portion of the cost of production of phono cartridges. It's difficult to compare MC with stylus options with the rare exception of when a product gets a stylus upgrade like this. That is because the stylus and cartridge are one piece and there is no way to swap only a stylus. If we look at examples where we can however, in the MM arena, we can see the difference these make in both tracking ability and in price. The Ortofon Blue has a nude elliptical stylus similar to that in the 10x5, and the 2m Black has a Shibata stylus similar to the new mk2 version of the 10x5. There we can see the difference in price is four or five hundred dollars, no matter where you are in the world, and that difference is really just down to the stylus profile.
-Bill

 

I had a Dyna 10x5 and I was very pleasantly surprised by its tracking ability, i don’t think I ever noticed IGD, even on my most difficult to track records, so the mk2 stylus upgrade will be even more amazing in that regard, however it’s the sound Signature of the cart that I’m “worried” about.

My experience with MM carts is that when you replace an elliptical with a finer stylus profile (fine-line /shibata..) the sound signature changes to a point where the original tonality of the cart is somewhat different and not necessarily to my preference, so I’m hoping the mk2 still has the same sound signature that I love.

Thanks for taking the time to answer, your
knowledge and informative posts are always very helpful.

 

Well, if you have heard the 20x, that has the fine line type stylus, then you'll know that it is a smoother sounding cartridge. Just based upon what they have done in the past and the sound of their cartridges that utilize the Micro Ridge stylus profile, I think that they will have retained the warmth and body of the original but also eliminated the distortions and frequency limitations from the tracking issues the more conventional stylus shape had. It should be more revealing of the recording quality, and perhaps of the record condition, so that will require a listen to confirm but it is evidenced by other designs as you suggest. I expect that it'll be a worthy upgrade. It does raise their overall pricing of the brand to keep it out of reach of most users, so feel free to consider yourself an elitist if you do decide to try one.

-Bill

 

You know, the pleasure I get from listening to fine sound reproduction from a top notch cart is totally worth it, It took me 3 years to save for a Dyna 10x5 and it was worth every cent, I wil do the same
Again cause once you experience a quality cart it’s really hard to adjust to less, I have not heard the 20x2 so I guess I now have a goal to strive for !

elitism here I come!

 

I bought a low-hour used 10X5 off Audiogon a little over 2 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the Hana SH on my short-list for eventual cart replacements but I am very intrigued by this new upgraded 10x5. Tough call. Has anyone read any reviews of the cart?