10xA MC Phono Cartridge

A MC Cartridge Cherished Worldwide Since 1978

The Dynavector 10X series is a Moving Coil (MC) Cartridge series which has been acclaimed worldwide since its release in 1978, amazing the audio industry by unleashing something which was long considered a challenge for MC cartridges, delivering a High Output MC phono cartridge.

In both 1978 and 1981, the 10X series was honored the Design and Engineering Award at Chicago CES  (Consumer's Electronics Show) and has continued to captivate audiophiles around the world with its distinctive red body.

Since its debut, the 10X series has continuously evolved to deliver a better experience for our users. In 2003, a solid aluminum head block was introduced for increased rigidity providing a better platform to secure with the headshell. In 2018, the 10X5 MkII replaced the traditional elliptical stylus tip with a "Shibata III" line contact stylus improving tracking ability.

The 10XA model takes this series to new heights of performance with a magnetic circuit that incorporates Dynavector's proprietary "Special Magnetic Annealing" technology. The 10XA delivers exceptionally smooth and articulate analog playback, offering a listening experience that goes far beyond what could ever be expected from a cartridge at this level!

• Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit:  The magnetic circuit, which is the core of an MC cartridge, uses pure iron that has stable magnetic properties with minimal distortion. Furthermore, by performing special annealing that focuses on optimizing the magnetic annealing process such as annealing temperature, environment, heating duration, and heating / cooling rates, we have succeeded in delivering expansive resonant sound without distortion and unrivaled resolution.
• 10XA-H: The Legendary High Output MC Cartridge:  Dynavector's unique coil winding technology made high output MC cartridges possible. By winding an ultra-fine wire many times around the coil bobbin, the phono cartridge delivers a healthy 2.8mV output, eliminating the need for an MC amplifier or a step-up transformer. This version retains the sonic advantages of an MC cartridge while offering the ease of use of an MM cartridge!
  • Recommended load impedance is 1,000Ω or higher.  Connection to a PHONO input in MM position (47KΩ load) is also possible.
• 10XA-L: A Low Output Model that Captures the True Characteristics of an MC:  The low-output 10XA-L model offers an output voltage of 0.5mV, allowing excellent compatibility with a wide range of step-up transformers and head amplifiers. This model lets you fully experience the distinct qualities of MC playback.
  • Recommended load impedance is 100Ω or higher.
• Shibata Type III Stylus for Exceptional High Frequency Performance:  To meet the demands of today's wide range analog playback systems, the 10XA features a Shibata Type III stylus, known for its superior high-frequency response. The cantilever is made from lightweight, rigid aluminum pipe. This improves groove tracking significantly, enabling higher resolution playback.
• Neodymium Magnet and Softened Magnetic Field:  This series employs a patented "Softened Magnet" technology developed to reduce distortion and harsh irritating edgy sounds caused by rare earth magnets, while still achieving high output from powerful neodymium magnets. By taking advantage of the powerful magnetic force of neodymium magnets, the phono cartridge produces a clean, well separated sound.
• Broad Compatibility:  The machined aluminum head block ensures a secure, rigid connection to the headshell. With a compliance of 12mm/N (Medium range) and a total weight of 7.5g, the 10XA is compatible with the vast majority of tonearms on the market.

Dynavector's proprietary Annealed Magnetic Circuit breakthrough delivers significantly improved sound quality, unrivalled resolution, with a smooth and wide tonal balance, and exceptional depth of field. This is what gives the 10xA cartridge its natural tonal balance and hugely dynamic presentation. What you hear is a properly optimized magnetic generating system melded with a state-of-the art vibration sensing system.

Although the selection of Stylus and Cantilever are without question important choices, special attention must be paid to the critical role that magnets play within the generating mechanism. The cartridge's output signal is inextricably tied to the minute movements of the vibration sensing system within the magnetic circuit, as this is where signal is generated as the coil vibrates amidst the magnetic flux. In essence, this is where the rubber meets the road.

To preserve maximum resolution, it is essential that the magnetic field within the cartridge be able to maintain high flux density and unwavering stability. Dynavector uses pure iron for the magnetic circuit due to its high magnetic permeability and exceptional stability. The downside of processing metal parts however, is that this will often distort the crystal structure of the iron at an atomic level, which leads to a loss of magnetic permeability.

Magnetic annealing, the process of heating and then cooling these processed parts, is crucial for restoring the crystal structure to the metal and regenerating magnetic permeability. Most magnetic annealing processes simply cannot fully overcome and "heal" these distortions in the crystal structure as magnetic annealing conditions will vary depending on the parts material, size, shape, etc. Dynavector's research focused on improving this process to find the most effective magnetic annealing process, which included experimenting with temperature, environment, duration, as well as heating and cooling rates. This meticulous and scientifically based approach has led them to pioneer an entirely new way to unleash the full potential of pure iron's unique magnetic performance.

• Type: Low or High Output Moving Coil cartridge with flux damper and softened magnetism
• Output Voltage (at 1KHz, 5cm/sec.):
  • Low:  0.5 mV
  • High:  2.8 mV
• Channel Separation:   25 dB (at 1KHz)
• Channel balance:   1.0 dB (at 1KHz)
• Frequency response:   20 - 20,000 Hz（±2dB)
• Compliance:  12 mm/N
• Tracking force: 1.8 - 2.2 g
• Impedance:
  • Low: 32 ohms
  • High:150 ohms 
• Recommended load impedance:
  • Low: 100 Ohms
  • High:1000 Ohms 

• Cantilever: 6mm length Hardened Aluminum "Pipe"
• Stylus tip: Nude Diamond "Shibata III" Line Contact
  
• Weight:   7.5 g