Dyna 20X?

Hi Jsman,
I have tried the 20X-L with a Fidelity Research XF-1 type M. This has 30dB gain, (1:31.6 ratio) and is just a bit on the high side with 0.3mV cart output, though a 0.3mV Windfeld can work truly fine with it.
The difference: 6ohm DCR for 20X-L, and 4ohm for Windfeld...

I use a 13ohm primary load resistor which translates to 10.18ohm for what the cart sees. I had left this soldered in place when testing the 20X-L and I think due to the 6ohm slightly higher RDC it **might** have sounded better with something like a 22ohm load resistor resulting in 15ohm for the 20X-L cartridge --- I didn't have such resistor as I only use Tantalums at this critical point.

So, the result: Mixed i.e. not a real improvement such as with the Windfeld. But as I said, depending on the SUT impedance match that could have been bettered, it MIGHT be improved, perhaps much improved.

Sorry not to have a clear yes / no for you.
It is my personal experience though, that once a good impedance match for an MC cart is found with a good trannie, the MC cart has A LOT more to offer in dynamic depth, bass performance, stage width and more naturalness in general.
B U T also less of this unnatural pin-point, carved-out, slightly overstated characteristic of most all MCs ---- as if you are stuck with your head in the recording microphone. That is NEVER what I hear in any live performance (maybe because I do not stand by the conductors desk? i.e. where the micro hangs...)

Greetings,
Axel

Hi Jsman,
what Tom says is of course right, in the sense that ANY 'better' cart (as long as it suits your arm!) will be expected to give you a 'better' result.
Interesting is the 17D3 suggestion --- dealer disclaimer --- might have a little to do with it. Not that a 17D3 is a bad pick at all, B U T it has an issue with regard to its physical size, which can cause a mounting problem, depending on your arm's geometry. This is due to its very short cantilever-to-mounting-hole distance, and to no small part created by its unusual and very short diamond-cantilever.
I have NOT heard it, but no doubt it's a more lively performer than the 20X-(L also), itself not a slouch.

Now, to confuse you some more, --- maybe you want to look into that MM related thread of Raul's which MIGHT be yet another most interesting alternative ---.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&&&&&st250

Myself, I'm using a P-77 moving-magnet cart in place of my Windfeld plus XF-1 at present, and have a pretty hard time to explain why this ancient MM (at $ = ~ 0.00) should sound so natural and alive in comparison to some $7 000 - $8 000 MC cart, with or with-out SUT!
Makes you think, but you need to be 'open' and not intimidated by the current 'MC only' trend.
Greetings,
Axel

Hi Thom,
it's not my thread, but THANK YOU for a very insightful and detailed explanation, I say!
I've listened to the XV-1s and it was hard for me to imagine how to better it, yet it's been done with the "t" as I understand. Alas that's again mega-buck territory...
Right now I listen to an Empire S1000 ZE/X (MM!) and it's rather pleasing I have to say, even when comparing with a Windfeld.
So many choices... what else can I say, but that 17D3 is a winner for the money, no doubt.
Best regards,
Axel