Aska MC Phono Cartridge

Where the Moving Coil Journey Begins
For nearly 50 years, Dynavector has dedicated itself to the art and science of analogue playback, continuously pushing the boundaries of what MC cartridges can do.

The ASKA is their entry-level MC cartridge, purpose-built to make that first step into MC as inviting as possible. Carrying the same design philosophy and craftsmanship as their higher-end models, it delivers the characteristic Dynavector sound - open, natural, and remarkably low in distortion - at an accessible price point.

Built to Dynavector's High-End Standards
A record's grooves carry extraordinarily fine information, captured as microscopic vibrations. To faithfully convert them into electrical signals, precise engineering and careful fine-tuning are essential to unlock what MC cartridges are truly known for: the lifelike presence and realism of analogue playback, a spacious and three-dimensional soundstage, and a natural tonal balance from top to bottom.

In analogue playback even the most minute deviation is enough to affect the sound. That is why every stage of ASKA's production, from moulding, cutting and heat treatment through to plating, assembly and final adjustment is carried out entirely in Japan in collaboration with highly skilled partners. Each cartridge is hand-assembled and individually inspected, ensuring that every ASKA is built and adjusted to the same uncompromising standard as the rest of the Dynavector lineup.

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.

ASKA-H: A High Output Model for Ease of Use
Dynavector's unique coil winding technology makes high output MC cartridges possible. By winding an ultra-fine wire many times around the coil bobbin, the phono cartridge can retain a healthy 2.8mV output, eliminating the need for a head amplifier or a step-up transformer. It 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.

ASKA-L: A Low Output Model Capturing the True Characteristics of an MC
The low-output ASKA-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.

Elliptical Stylus: Precise Tracking for Every Setup
The elliptical stylus is a well-balanced choice for modern analogue playback. Its elongated contact surface accurately tracks fine high-frequency groove modulations, reproducing detail that a spherical stylus can often miss. Unlike more demanding line contact stylus profiles, it delivers stable and consistent performance across a wide range of cartridge alignments, making it a practical and capable choice for those new to MC cartridges.

Easy Installation Design
Cartridge Installation can be a delicate task, even for experienced users. ASKA features threaded M2.5 screw holes built directly into the body, eliminating the need to hold a screw and nut simultaneously. Simply tighten the screws through your headshell or tonearm for a clean and straightforward installation.

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 cartridge its incredibly natural 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:  0.3 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: 5 ohms
  • High:150 ohms 
• Recommended Load Impedance:
  • Low: > 30 Ohms
  • High: > 1000 Ohms 

• Cantilever: 6mm length Hardened Aluminum "Pipe"
• Stylus Tip: Elliptical
  
• Weight:   5.8 g