XX-2A MC Phono Cartridge

Following in the footsteps of Dynavector's long history of magnificent XX-Series cartridges, the XX-2A represents a significant advancement in phono cartridge design. On its face, this cartridge is identical in every way to its predecessor, the mighty XX-2 Mk2. The XX-2A features a 6mm solid boron cantilever, fitted with a PathFinder (PF) Line-Contact stylus. Ultra-High purity PCOCC (Pure Copper Ohno Continuous Casting Process) wire is used for the coils and the output is identical at 0.28mV with a 6 Ohm impedance. The XX-2A uses high-powered Alnico magnets and of course, features Dynavector's proprietary "magnetic flux damper". The XX-2A's body is machined from anodized 7075 aluminum, the hardest available. The XX-2A even weighs the same, at only 8.9 grams, which is light for a cartridge at this tier and features a very tonearm friendly compliance of 10mm/N, making it usable on a wide variety of tonearms. 

Same body, same stylus, same cantilever, same internal wiring, same dimensions, weight and impedance. Nestled inside that modest black anodized body, though, lies a revolutionary magnetic structure with absolutely jaw-dropping implications for every aspect of sonic performance.

There is more detail on this below, but the crux of the improvement is that Dynavector has figured out how to increase magnetic permeability (aka magnetic power) by using a special heating and cooling process called annealing. Although annealing technology has been around for a very long time, the effects on magnetism were always rather lackluster. Certainly, annealing provided some benefit, but not really commensurate with the amount of effort and expense required to implement it. After years of research, Dynavector finally developed a unique and proprietary process to anneal their magnetic structures which provides an enormous advancement in magnetic permeability and thus a huge jump forward in sound quality. 

 Special Annealing Process for the Magnetic Circuit
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.

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 XX-2A 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. 

Alnico Magnet and Flux Damping
The XX-2A incorporates Alnico magnets with low magnetic resistance into the generating mechanism, ensuring minimal fluctuation of magnetic force during playback. Compared to mainstream high-energy rare-earth magnets, (e.g. samarium cobalt and neodymium boron) Alnico magnets generate an exceedingly high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) with excellent transient response. Additionally, our patented Flux Damping technology stabilizes the magnetic flux within the air gap, ensuring performance with much more expensive cartridges.

High Rigidity Magnetic Circuit
Crafted with stainless steel bolts to secure the front and rear yokes, as well as the magnets, the XX-2A boasts a high-rigidity magnetic circuit. Skilled artisans meticulously adjust torque on these bolts during the assembly process, which is crucial for maintaining sound quality and ensuring optimal performance.

Low Output MC Cartridge
With an output voltage of 0.28mV, the XX-2A conforms to the standard output for a high-performance MC cartridge, making it compatible with a wide variety of phono preamplifiers and Moving Coil Transformers including the SUP-200. Recommended load impedance of greater than 30 ohms ensures suitability with the load settings for many phono preamps, including all the way up to 47k ohms.

Compliance
Featuring a compliance of 10mm/N and weighing 8.9g, the XX-2A is compatible with a wide range of tonearms, from light to medium mass. We recommend the use of a lightweight headshell to optimize performance.

Solid Boron Cantilever
The XX-2A is equipped with a 6mm length solid boron cantilever, coupled to a PathFinder (PF) line contact stylus, creating a lightweight and rigid vibration sensing system for enhanced playback accuracy.

Specifications