Dynavector 10x5 what is next?


After getting advice from some of you about analog upgrades, instead of
Jumping to a new phono I want to upgradel cartridge.
Rest of system.
Rega p5
Luxman 550 A II
Harbeth compact 7 ES3
PS audio phono
AZ cables
Nordost IC.

Thank you in advance for your time.
128x128mountainsong

Showing 7 responses by jperry

You are welcome. I think that is a good deal - about what I paid for the one I bought. Let us know how you like it after it is up and running.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
FYI - No affiliation with seller. What did you end up doing? Did you buy a cartridge?

http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Phono-Cartridge/Dynavector/17D3/As-new/75035
Dynavector Karat 17D3 would be a good pick. I have used it with a Rega 25, Harbeth Compact 7, Quad amp/preamp and thought it sounded great. You have to be sure your phono preamp has about 60db of gain.
Input Sensitivity/Impedance: phono (MM), 2.5mV/47kΩ; phono (MC), 0.3mV/100Ω

You should be able to run the Dynavector 17D3 into the phono stage on your Luxman wih no problem. See the specificatin above from Luxman.

Without trying to be snippy, you could have looked this up in the Luxman manual. I can't tell you about the PS Audio because you have not provided the model information. If you have a question people are happy to help and it is great when you provide the pertinent information.
Thanks for posting the additional information. I had a system similar to yours and I think you should try a cartridge upgrade first. IMO speakers and cartridges make the most significant audible difference in a system.

Best of luck finding the system that makes you happy. It looks like you picked great speakers, amp and TT combination.
Dynavector Karat 17D3 would be a good pick. I have used it with a Rega 25, Harbeth Compact 7, Quad amp/preamp and thought it sounded great. See below for another recommendation for the 17D3 ($1,150) or XX-2 ($1,950). Retail prices shown for your reference in (). I have not heard the XX-2, but based on the comment below, and my own experience, I think the 17D3 is a better match for the Harbeth. The 17D3 takes some patience to set up because of the very short cantilever.

Ejlif (Quoted from earlier in this thread)
I've had the 10x5, 20xl and 20xH the17D and the xx2mk II. The 20x is a marginal step up the 17d is huge as is the xx2. The 17d is so clean and clear sounding you will be amazed. In a way I like it better than the xx2 but I think the overall balance is better with the xx2 you can't go wrong with either. I think you will certainly like the 20x better than the 10x5 but if you are looking for a big jump go at least to the 17d.
If possible you should see if your local dealer will allow you a loaner for a "test drive" on a cartridge. If you purchased other equipment from them, and they are currently using a model you want as a demo, this should not be a problem. What counts is how it sounds to you in your system. Not what I think or a reviewers opinion.

I hope you find a great match up for your system that puts a smile on your face.