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

Thanks Axel for the info and tips.

Hi Jsman,

In my experience, the 17D3 will be a major leap up from the 20X - far out of proportion to the price difference. Note that I have only experience of the 20X-L and not the 20X-H.

Changing from a 20X-H to a 20X-L/step-up combo will be a "pig in a poke". You might like the "flavor" that the step-up (and/or loading strategy) imparts and ascribe your preference to the cartridge. Alternatively, you might hear little to no positive change.

Of course (as with a shift to a 20X-L), the 17D3, forces you into a low o/p MC strategy - achieving additional gain through a step-up trannie or other means.

I'd either stand pat with what I have, or wait until I could make the leap to the 17D3. I not a fan of recommending small, incremental improvements out of proportion to the money spent.

In the case of a 20X-H to 20X-L swap, you will incur the trade-in loss on your cartridge, plus the cost of a step-up. Taken in this light, the additional expense of moving up to a 17D3 will be a worthwhile one. Stay with what you have, until you're ready for a leap to the 17D3.

Warning - dealer disclaimer.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Thom, Are you saying that there would be a noticable improvment going to the step up and 17D3?

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