Audio T Verdict
The Dynavector 10X5 MkII provides an unusually flexible route into moving-coil cartridge ownership because it is available in both high-output and low-output versions.
The high-output model is particularly appealing if you already own a good moving-magnet phono stage and do not want to replace it simply to try an MC cartridge. Its 2.8mV output is deliberately much higher than that of a conventional low-output moving coil, allowing it to work into an appropriate MM-type phono input without requiring an MC step-up transformer or dedicated low-output MC stage.
The low-output 10X5 MkII takes the alternative approach. Its 0.5mV output requires suitable MC amplification, but it gives customers who already have an adjustable MC phono stage or step-up transformer a version designed specifically for that type of system.
Whichever version you choose, the mechanical assembly is serious. A nude Shibata III line-contact diamond is fitted to a 6mm hardened aluminium cantilever, while Dynavector's rigid red aluminium head block provides the cartridge motor with a stable mounting platform.
Setup matters. The Shibata stylus can retrieve very fine information from the record groove, but a line-contact profile also deserves accurate alignment. Tracking force should remain within Dynavector's specified 1.8–2.2g range, and cartridge loading needs to match the output version you have chosen.
That makes the choice quite straightforward. If you want the character of a moving-coil design while retaining a suitable MM phono stage, choose the high-output version. If your system already provides proper low-output MC gain and loading, the LOW version is the one to consider.
Either way, this is not simply a cartridge to bolt on and forget about. Correct fitting, alignment and phono-stage matching are essential, and they are exactly the sort of things we can help with at Audio T.
Dynavector 10X5 MkII Moving Coil Cartridge
The 10X5 MkII is available in two versions:
- 10X5 MkII High Output: 2.8mV output for suitable higher-level phono inputs
- 10X5 MkII LOW: 0.5mV output for suitable MC phono stages, head amplifiers or step-up transformers
Both versions share:
- Nude diamond Shibata III line-contact stylus
- 6mm hardened aluminium cantilever
- Magnetic Flux Damper technology
- Softened Magnetism technology
- Powerful neodymium magnet system
- Rigid red aluminium head block
- 20Hz–20kHz ±2dB frequency response
- 25dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 1.0dB channel balance at 1kHz
- 12mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- 7.5g cartridge weight
High Output or Low Output?
This is the most important decision to make before ordering.
10X5 MkII High Output
- 2.8mV output
- 150-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 1,000 ohms
- Designed to work without an MC step-up device
- Suitable for many MM-type phono inputs
- Useful upgrade for systems currently using an MM cartridge
10X5 MkII LOW
- 0.5mV output
- 32-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 100 ohms
- Requires suitable MC gain
- Compatible with appropriate MC phono stages
- Can also be used with suitable head amplifiers or step-up transformers
Choose the Correct Output Version for Your Phono Stage
The high-output and low-output versions are not electrically interchangeable.
The 2.8mV high-output model is intended for a substantially higher-sensitivity phono input than the 0.5mV LOW version.
If you are unsure whether your amplifier or phono stage is suitable, check before ordering rather than assuming that any input labelled "Phono" will work correctly.
What Is a High-Output Moving-Coil Cartridge?
Most traditional moving-coil cartridges produce considerably less output than a moving-magnet cartridge.
That normally means they require extra gain from either:
- A dedicated MC phono stage
- An amplifier with a suitable MC phono input
- A head amplifier
- A step-up transformer
The high-output 10X5 MkII is designed differently. Dynavector uses additional coil windings to achieve an output of 2.8mV while retaining a moving-coil generator.
This means it can be used without a conventional low-output MC step-up stage when partnered with a suitable higher-level phono input.
Moving Magnet Input Does Not Mean Moving Magnet Cartridge
The high-output 10X5 MkII is still a moving-coil cartridge.
Its higher output simply allows it to work with many phono stages normally used with moving-magnet cartridges.
The Low-Output Version
The 10X5 MkII LOW produces:
0.5mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
That requires substantially more gain than the high-output version.
Dynavector specifies a recommended load impedance above:
100 ohms.
Suitable partnering equipment may include:
- Adjustable MC phono stages
- Integrated amplifiers with an appropriate MC input
- Dedicated MC head amplifiers
- Suitable step-up transformers
The LOW Version Is Not Intended for a Standard MM Input
A conventional MM-only phono stage normally does not provide enough gain for the 0.5mV LOW version on its own.
Use a suitable MC phono stage or an appropriate step-up device.
2.8mV High-Output Version
The standard high-output 10X5 MkII produces:
2.8mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
Internal impedance is:
150 ohms.
Dynavector specifies a recommended load above:
1,000 ohms.
This makes the high-output model particularly useful when moving from an MM cartridge but retaining a good-quality MM phono stage.
Nude Shibata III Line-Contact Stylus
Both versions use a nude diamond Shibata III line-contact stylus.
A nude stylus means the diamond itself forms the complete stylus tip rather than being bonded onto a separate metal shank.
The Shibata profile has a longer contact area against the groove wall than a basic spherical or elliptical stylus.
Why Use a Line-Contact Stylus?
A line-contact profile is designed to follow a relatively large vertical section of the groove wall while maintaining a narrow contact area in the direction of groove travel.
This can help with:
- Fine groove tracing
- High-frequency information
- Tracking complex passages
- Retrieving detail from the groove
Accurate Alignment Matters
The advantage of an advanced stylus profile also makes proper cartridge setup particularly worthwhile.
Important setup parameters include:
- Overhang
- Cartridge alignment
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
Do Not Guess Cartridge Alignment
A line-contact stylus should be installed using the correct alignment method for your tonearm or turntable.
Poor alignment can increase distortion, compromise tracking and accelerate record or stylus wear.
6mm Hardened Aluminium Cantilever
The Shibata III diamond is mounted to a:
6mm hardened aluminium pipe cantilever.
The cantilever transfers microscopic movement from the stylus into the moving-coil generator.
Its mass, rigidity and mechanical behaviour therefore play an important part in cartridge performance.
Moving-Coil Generator
In a moving-coil cartridge, the coils move with the cantilever while the magnetic structure remains fixed.
This differs from a moving-magnet cartridge, where the magnet forms part of the moving assembly and the coils remain stationary.
The Dynavector 10X5 series is designed around a moving-coil generator while providing the choice of either high or low electrical output.
Magnetic Flux Damper
Dynavector incorporates its Magnetic Flux Damper technology into the 10X5 MkII generator.
The system forms part of the company's approach to controlling variation within the magnetic circuit as the cartridge operates.
Softened Magnetism
Dynavector also uses its patented Softened Magnetism technology alongside powerful neodymium magnets.
The intention is to combine the magnetic strength required by the generator with controlled magnetic behaviour.
Rigid Aluminium Head Block
The distinctive red aluminium head block provides a rigid interface between the cartridge motor and tonearm headshell.
Cartridge mounting is mechanically important because any unwanted movement between cartridge and tonearm works against the tiny stylus movements that the cartridge is trying to measure.
7.5g Cartridge Weight
Both versions weigh:
7.5g.
This is within the range handled by many conventional tonearms, but compatibility should still be checked with the specific arm and counterweight being used.
Check Tonearm Compatibility Before Fitting
Do not assume that every cartridge will automatically work with every tonearm.
The arm must accommodate the cartridge's 7.5g weight, mounting arrangement, compliance and required tracking force while still allowing correct alignment.
Compliance
Dynavector specifies compliance of:
12mm/N.
Compliance describes how readily the cartridge suspension allows the stylus and cantilever assembly to move.
It is one of the factors used when considering cartridge and tonearm matching.
Tracking Force
Dynavector specifies a tracking-force range of:
1.8–2.2g.
Use an Accurate Tracking-Force Setting
Do not run the cartridge deliberately below Dynavector's specified tracking-force range in the belief that lighter tracking automatically protects records.
Insufficient tracking force can cause poor groove contact and mistracking.
Set the cartridge within the recommended 1.8–2.2g range and confirm the result with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
Channel Separation
Dynavector specifies:
25dB channel separation at 1kHz.
Channel separation describes the cartridge's ability to keep the information recorded in the left and right groove walls electrically separate.
Channel Balance
Published channel balance is:
1.0dB at 1kHz.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Both versions are specified at:
20Hz–20kHz ±2dB.
Phono Stage Loading
Cartridge loading is not simply a volume control.
The electrical load presented by the phono stage interacts with the cartridge generator and can influence overall behaviour.
High Output
- 150-ohm cartridge impedance
- Recommended load above 1,000 ohms
- Suitable higher-level phono input required
LOW Output
- 32-ohm cartridge impedance
- Recommended load above 100 ohms
- Suitable MC stage or step-up device required
Gain Matters as Much as Loading
Two phono stages can provide the same load impedance while offering very different gain.
The high and low versions of the 10X5 MkII require different amounts of amplification because their output voltages are very different.
If an MC cartridge sounds unusually quiet, noisy or overloaded, incorrect phono-stage gain may be the issue rather than the cartridge itself.
Do Not Connect a Cartridge to a Line Input
A Cartridge Requires a Phono Stage
Do not connect the 10X5 MkII directly to a normal AUX, CD, tuner or other line-level input.
A phono cartridge requires appropriate gain and RIAA equalisation from a phono stage.
Stylus Care
A line-contact diamond operates within extremely small record-groove modulations, so keeping both records and stylus clean is worthwhile.
Good practice includes:
- Keeping records free from dust
- Cleaning the stylus carefully with an appropriate product
- Avoiding sideways pressure on the cantilever
- Cueing records gently
- Keeping the cartridge protected when working around the tonearm
The Cantilever and Stylus Are Delicate
Never clean the stylus by pushing against it from front to back or sideways.
Excessive force can damage or displace the cantilever assembly.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
Dynavector moving-coil cartridges do not use a removable user-replaceable stylus assembly in the same way as many moving-magnet cartridges.
When the stylus eventually becomes worn or if the cartridge is damaged, contact Audio T to discuss the appropriate Dynavector service or exchange options.
Do Not Attempt to Replace the Stylus Yourself
The stylus, cantilever and moving-coil generator form a precision assembly.
Servicing should be handled through an authorised Dynavector dealer or distributor rather than by trying to pull out and replace the stylus at home.
When Does a Stylus Need Attention?
Stylus life depends heavily on record cleanliness, setup, tracking force and usage.
Possible signs that a cartridge should be inspected include:
- Persistent mistracking on records that previously played correctly
- Increasing distortion
- Unusual sibilance
- Physical damage to the stylus or cantilever
Do not diagnose stylus wear purely by the number of years the cartridge has been owned. Usage varies enormously between listeners.
High Output Versus a Moving-Magnet Cartridge
The 10X5 MkII high-output version can often use the same type of phono input as a moving-magnet cartridge, but its generator is still moving coil.
Typical MM Cartridge
- Moving-magnet generator
- Relatively high output
- Usually designed for MM phono gain
- Many designs have a replaceable stylus assembly
10X5 MkII High Output
- Moving-coil generator
- 2.8mV output
- Can work with suitable MM-type phono stages
- No user-replaceable stylus assembly
Which Version Should You Choose?
Choose High Output If...
- You have a good MM phono stage
- Your amplifier only provides an MM input
- You want to move into MC without adding a step-up device
- You want the simplest installation into an existing MM-based system
Choose LOW If...
- You have a proper MC phono stage
- Your phono stage provides suitable MC gain and loading
- You use a compatible head amplifier
- You use a suitable step-up transformer
Professional Cartridge Fitting
Changing a cartridge involves more than simply attaching four wires and tightening two screws.
Correct installation may involve:
- Cartridge mounting
- Overhang alignment
- Offset-angle alignment
- Tracking-force adjustment
- Bias or anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height adjustment where applicable
- Azimuth adjustment where applicable
- Phono-stage gain selection
- Phono-stage loading
If you are not confident setting these accurately, having the cartridge professionally fitted is sensible.
Who Is the Dynavector 10X5 MkII For?
Well Suited To
- Customers moving from MM to moving coil
- Quality turntables with compatible tonearms
- Systems with good MM phono stages
- Systems with adjustable MC phono stages
- Dedicated vinyl systems
- Customers wanting a Shibata line-contact stylus
- Turntables where accurate cartridge alignment is possible
Check Before Buying
- Choose high or low output correctly
- Confirm phono-stage gain
- Confirm phono-stage loading
- Check tonearm compatibility
- Cartridge weighs 7.5g
- Tracking force is 1.8–2.2g
- Shibata stylus requires accurate alignment
- Stylus is not user replaceable
Key Features
- Dynavector 10X5 MkII
- Moving-coil cartridge
- High-output version available
- Low-output version available
- 2.8mV high output
- 0.5mV low output
- Nude diamond stylus
- Shibata III line-contact profile
- 6mm hardened aluminium cantilever
- Magnetic Flux Damper
- Softened Magnetism
- Neodymium magnet
- Rigid aluminium head block
- 20Hz–20kHz ±2dB
- 25dB channel separation
- 1.0dB channel balance
- 12mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking force
- 150-ohm high-output impedance
- 32-ohm low-output impedance
- High-output load above 1,000 ohms
- Low-output load above 100 ohms
- 7.5g weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dynavector 10X5 MkII moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a moving-coil cartridge.
Is there more than one version?
Yes. Audio T offers both the standard high-output 10X5 MkII and the 10X5 MkII LOW.
What is the output of the high-output version?
2.8mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
What is the output of the LOW version?
0.5mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
Can the high-output version work with an MM phono stage?
Yes, with a suitable MM-type phono input. Dynavector specifically designs the high-output model so that an MC step-up device is not required.
Can I use the LOW version with an ordinary MM phono stage?
Not on its own. The LOW version requires suitable MC gain, such as an MC phono stage, head amplifier or appropriate step-up transformer.
What load does the high-output version require?
Dynavector specifies more than 1,000 ohms.
What load does the LOW version require?
Dynavector specifies more than 100 ohms.
What is the impedance of the high-output version?
150 ohms.
What is the impedance of the LOW version?
32 ohms.
What stylus does the 10X5 MkII use?
A nude diamond Shibata III line-contact stylus.
What is the cantilever made from?
A 6mm hardened aluminium pipe.
What is the recommended tracking force?
1.8–2.2g.
What is the cartridge weight?
7.5g.
What is the compliance?
12mm/N.
What is the frequency response?
20Hz to 20kHz ±2dB.
What is the channel separation?
25dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
1.0dB at 1kHz.
What is a Shibata stylus?
It is a line-contact stylus profile designed to make extended contact with the groove wall while accurately tracing fine groove modulation.
Does a Shibata stylus need careful alignment?
Yes. Accurate overhang, alignment and tracking force are particularly worthwhile with an advanced line-contact stylus.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. Dynavector moving-coil cartridges do not have a user-replaceable stylus assembly. Contact Audio T for the appropriate service or exchange options.
Can Audio T fit the cartridge?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss cartridge fitting, tonearm setup and phono-stage matching.
Can I connect the cartridge directly to an AUX input?
No. A cartridge requires a suitable phono stage providing the necessary gain and RIAA equalisation.
How do I know which output version I need?
Check the gain and loading options provided by your phono stage. If you are unsure, Audio T can help establish which version best matches your existing system.
Related Dynavector Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- High-output and low-output MC advice
- MM and MC phono-stage matching
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Phono-stage gain and loading advice
- Turntable setup
- Stylus-care guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the high-output or low-output Dynavector 10X5 MkII is the best match for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.