Rega P3-24..........w/ Exact or Dynavector 10x5 ?


It seems like I'm going to able to get a fantastic deal on a new Rega P3-24 with the Exact cartridge installed. The package price will be the same as if I got the Dynavector 10x5 installed instead. The Exact retails for considerably more than the 10x5, so I'm pretty happy. From all the reviews, I know that the Exact is a significant improvement over the Elys 2, which is usually packaged with the P3-24. My next step, as soon as the funds are available, will be to buy the Rega TTPSU, to really make the analog front end sing beautifully.

But.....how will the music sound ? I want to continue using the built-in MM phono stage of my Rogue Audio Cronus amp, and simple logic tells me that the higher output Exact will be an easier load than the lower output Dynavector. My worry is that with the Dynavector, I'll have to turn my volume dial too far up, thus stressing the amp, and perhaps "running out of gain." Now, with my 5.0 mV. output Goldring Elektra on my NAD 533 table, I listen to records with the volume dial set at around 2 o'clock. The Exact's output is over 6 mV., and the Dynavector's is only 2.5 mV. Is my concern valid ? I am not able to audition the table with the different cartridges in my system, so I have to buy "on faith."

I've read equally wonderful reviews about both these cartridges, and it seems that each one will make beautiful music through my Vandersteens.....So, fellow Audiogoners, what are your thoughts ? I need some sound advice (pun intended.)
adam18
Turning up the gain on your preamp will not stress your amplifier. What you need to do first is to contact Rogue and ask them if 2.5 mV is enough to drive your amp to full volume. If it is not case closed. If it is you can ask their advice, you don't have to follow it but it can't hurt to have it. If it is it will make no difference to the amp where the volume control is if it is putting out the same number of watts. I would pay no attention to the price of the cartridge, retail price is often a fiction. When I was a dealer I could get a $175 Supex which cost me $87.50 or a $150 Pickering which cost me $15.75. Which one do you think most dealers sold.[not me] All I can say is that the Dynavector has been around for decades in various incarnations and has a good reputation.
I use a Sumiko BPS II which is 2.5 with my Cronus and it's all good. I wouldn't worry about it.
For the same price as the Exact (which I had on a Rega P5 & loved)you could get a Dynavector DV20XH (h is for high output). I use this on my Rega P7 through an inboard MM phono preamp.
Hey Guys......I just spoke with Mark O'Brien at Rogue Audio, and he says that a high output MC cartridge (2.5 mV) will NOT be a problem with my Rogue Cronus' built-in phono stage (35 dB gain). So....the Dynavector 10x5 and the Rega Exact 2 should work equally well.
So, since output is no longer an issue, and both the Rega Exact 2 and the Dynavector 10x5 will both be compatible with my integrated amp, what's your opinion for the best way to listen to my vast collection of 1950's - 1960's jazz LP's through my Vandersteen 1C's ?....
The highly respected dealer that I want to work with
will be able to package the Rega P3-24 with either the Rega Exact 2 or the Dynavector 10x5 (with the appropriate Rega 2 mm. spacer under the arm base) for very similar prices, so $$ is not an issue. Ultimately, which of these two cartridges will make better music with my system ?
Can you listen to either or both cartridges first? It might not be in the same system but you might prefer one over the other. I think you would get an idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Other than that, you're going by others opinions.
No alignment issues with the Rega and no shims required. My DV20XH is a much better cartridge than the 10x5, but just a bit better than the Exact.