Audio T Verdict
The Dynavector XX-2A sits at an interesting point in the company's range. It is a serious low-output moving-coil cartridge with much of the magnetic-circuit thinking found further up the Dynavector hierarchy, but its 8.9g weight and 10mm/N compliance still make it practical for a broad selection of well-matched tonearms.
The biggest development is inside the generator. Dynavector uses a Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit made from carefully treated pure-iron components. Rather than applying a generic heat treatment, the company optimises temperature, environment, processing time and heating and cooling rates to restore the magnetic properties altered during machining.
The magnetic circuit also uses Alnico magnets and Dynavector's patented Flux Damper. The complete front and rear yoke structure is held together using stainless-steel bolts, with assembly torque carefully controlled during manufacture.
The groove-reading end is equally serious. A PF line-contact diamond with a 7 x 30-micron radius is fitted to a 6mm solid-boron cantilever, creating a light and rigid vibration system that deserves accurate cartridge alignment.
Electrically, the XX-2A is firmly in low-output MC territory. Its 0.28mV output requires proper MC gain, while the 6-ohm internal impedance and recommended load above 30 ohms give plenty of flexibility when matching an adjustable phono stage.
Dynavector describes the cartridge as suitable for light-to-medium-mass tonearms and recommends avoiding unnecessarily heavy headshells. That makes the XX-2A relatively accommodating for a cartridge at this level, but compatibility should still be checked rather than assumed.
Partner it with a capable turntable, properly matched tonearm and low-noise MC phono stage, then spend the time getting alignment, tracking force and loading right. The XX-2A is sophisticated enough to make that effort worthwhile.
Dynavector XX-2A Moving Coil Cartridge
The XX-2A is a low-output moving-coil cartridge combining Dynavector's Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit with Alnico magnets, Flux Damper technology, a solid-boron cantilever and PF line-contact stylus.
Key features include:
- Low-output moving-coil design
- 0.28mV output at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
- Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit
- Pure-iron magnetic components
- Alnico magnet system
- Dynavector Flux Damper
- High-rigidity magnetic circuit
- Stainless-steel yoke and magnet fixing
- 6mm solid-boron cantilever
- PF PathFinder line-contact stylus
- 7 x 30-micron stylus radius
- 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB frequency response
- 30dB channel separation at 1kHz
- 1.0dB channel balance at 1kHz
- 10mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- 6-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 30 ohms
- 8.9g cartridge weight
- Suitable for many light-to-medium-mass tonearms
Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit
The XX-2A uses Dynavector's newer Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit.
The cartridge generator relies on a stable magnetic field because the electrical signal is produced as the moving coils respond to groove movement within that field.
Dynavector uses high-purity iron for important parts of the magnetic circuit because of its high magnetic permeability.
Why Anneal the Magnetic Components?
Machining metal components can disturb their microscopic crystal structure and reduce magnetic permeability.
Magnetic annealing involves carefully heating and cooling those finished parts to restore their magnetic behaviour.
For the XX-2A, Dynavector controls:
- Annealing temperature
- Processing environment
- Heating duration
- Rate of heating
- Rate of cooling
The precise treatment is chosen around the material, dimensions and shape of the individual magnetic components rather than applying one generic process.
Why the Magnetic Circuit Matters
The signal generated by a moving-coil cartridge is extremely small.
The relationship between the moving coil and surrounding magnetic field therefore has a direct influence on the electrical signal sent to the phono stage.
Dynavector's Special Annealing process is intended to allow the pure-iron magnetic components to retain their optimum permeability after machining.
Alnico Magnet System
The XX-2A uses Alnico magnets within its generator.
Dynavector chooses Alnico partly for its relatively low magnetic resistance compared with powerful rare-earth magnet types.
The objective is not simply maximum magnetic strength, but a stable magnetic field around the moving coil as the cartridge tracks the record.
Flux Damper
Dynavector's patented Flux Damper is designed to stabilise disturbances in magnetic flux caused by movement of the cantilever and coil assembly.
A shorted coil around the front yoke generates an opposing magnetic effect as the flux changes, helping maintain a more stable magnetic environment within the generator.
High-Rigidity Magnetic Circuit
Dynavector secures the front yoke, rear yoke and magnets using stainless-steel bolts.
The tightening torque is carefully controlled during assembly.
This gives the complete magnetic structure a rigid mechanical foundation rather than allowing the individual elements to behave as loosely connected parts.
Low-Output Moving Coil
The XX-2A produces:
0.28mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
This is a genuine low-output moving-coil signal and requires substantially more amplification than a conventional moving-magnet or high-output MC cartridge.
A Standard MM Input Does Not Provide Enough Gain
The XX-2A requires suitable low-output moving-coil amplification.
Use an appropriate MC phono stage, head amplifier or correctly matched step-up transformer rather than connecting the cartridge directly to a normal MM-only phono input.
6-Ohm Internal Impedance
Dynavector specifies internal impedance of:
6 ohms.
Recommended load impedance is:
Greater than 30 ohms.
A Wide Choice of Load Values
Dynavector's greater-than-30-ohm recommendation means the XX-2A can operate with a variety of resistance settings above that point.
An adjustable MC phono stage therefore gives useful flexibility when matching the cartridge to the rest of the system.
47k Ohms Does Not Mean You Can Use an MM-Only Input
Dynavector notes that the XX-2A can operate into load values extending as high as 47k ohms.
That figure describes electrical loading only. An ordinary MM-only phono stage will normally still have far too little gain for the cartridge's 0.28mV output.
If using a high-resistance load, the phono stage must still provide suitable low-output MC gain.
Gain and Loading Are Different Things
Phono-stage matching involves two separate electrical requirements:
- Gain: how much the cartridge's tiny signal is amplified
- Loading: the electrical impedance presented to the cartridge
Correct loading does not compensate for insufficient gain, and high gain does not automatically mean the electrical load is appropriate.
Choosing an MC Phono Stage
A suitable phono stage should provide:
- Sufficient gain for a 0.28mV cartridge
- Load impedance above 30 ohms
- Low input noise
- Accurate RIAA equalisation
- Good overload margin
An adjustable MC phono stage can make final system matching considerably easier.
Explore the Dynavector P75 Mk4.1 Phono Stage.
Dynavector P75 Mk4.1 Compatibility
The XX-2A is a natural candidate for Dynavector's own P75 Mk4.1 phono stage.
The P75 provides conventional low-output MC gain and selectable loading as well as Dynavector's optional Phono Enhancer operating mode.
XX-2A Internal Impedance Is 6 Ohms
If using Dynavector's Phono Enhancer mode, configuration is based on the cartridge's internal coil resistance rather than its conventional recommended load impedance.
Do not confuse the XX-2A's 6-ohm internal impedance with its greater-than-30-ohm conventional loading recommendation.
Using a Step-Up Transformer
The XX-2A can also be used with a properly matched moving-coil step-up transformer ahead of a suitable MM phono stage.
Transformer matching should consider:
- The 6-ohm cartridge impedance
- Transformer turns ratio
- Input impedance of the following phono stage
- Overall gain requirement
Dynavector specifically identifies its SUP-200 transformer as a compatible option.
6mm Solid-Boron Cantilever
The XX-2A uses a:
6mm solid-boron cantilever.
Boron combines high rigidity with relatively low mass, making it well suited to transmitting microscopic stylus movement into the moving-coil generator.
Why Cantilever Rigidity Matters
The cantilever forms the physical link between the stylus and the moving coils.
Any flex or unwanted mechanical behaviour within that link can affect how accurately groove movement reaches the generator.
A short, rigid boron structure gives the stylus assembly a controlled mechanical path.
PF PathFinder Line-Contact Stylus
The solid-boron cantilever carries Dynavector's PF, or PathFinder, line-contact stylus.
Dynavector specifies the stylus radius as:
7 x 30 microns.
Why Use a Line-Contact Stylus?
A line-contact profile makes more extended contact with the groove wall than a simple spherical stylus.
Potential advantages include:
- Fine groove tracing
- Accurate high-frequency tracking
- Extended groove-wall contact
- Retrieval of detailed recorded information
Accurate Alignment Is Important
A fine line-contact stylus deserves careful geometric setup.
Important adjustment parameters can include:
- Overhang
- Offset angle
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm height where adjustable
- Azimuth where adjustable
Do Not Guess Cartridge Alignment
Use the correct alignment procedure for your particular tonearm and turntable.
Incorrect geometry can increase distortion, compromise tracking and contribute to unnecessary record or stylus wear.
8.9g Cartridge Weight
The XX-2A weighs:
8.9g.
This is moderate for a serious moving-coil cartridge and helps make the XX-2A compatible with a broad selection of suitable tonearms.
10mm/N Compliance
Dynavector specifies compliance of:
10mm/N.
Compliance describes the mechanical flexibility of the cartridge suspension.
Together with the tonearm's effective mass, it contributes to the cartridge and arm's mechanical resonance behaviour.
Light-to-Medium-Mass Tonearms
Dynavector describes the combination of 8.9g weight and 10mm/N compliance as suitable for a wide range of light-to-medium-mass tonearms.
The company also recommends using a lightweight headshell where the arm employs a removable headshell.
Avoid an Unnecessarily Heavy Headshell
An excessively heavy headshell increases the effective moving mass of the tonearm system.
Dynavector specifically recommends a lightweight headshell with the XX-2A, so check the complete arm and headshell combination rather than considering cartridge weight alone.
Check Counterweight Range
Although 8.9g is manageable for many tonearms, the arm still needs sufficient counterweight adjustment to balance the cartridge and apply the correct tracking force.
Check Tonearm Compatibility Before Fitting
Confirm cartridge-weight capacity, effective mass, headshell weight, physical clearance and counterweight range before installation.
Broad compatibility does not mean every cartridge and tonearm combination is automatically optimal.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
Dynavector specifies a tracking-force range of:
1.8–2.2g.
An accurate stylus-force gauge is worthwhile when setting the XX-2A.
Do Not Deliberately Track Below the Recommended Range
Using too little tracking force does not automatically protect your records.
Insufficient force can cause the stylus to mistrack and lose secure contact with the groove.
Bias or Anti-Skate
After setting tracking force, adjust the tonearm's bias or anti-skate according to the arm manufacturer's procedure.
The correct method differs between tonearm designs.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Dynavector specifies:
20Hz–20kHz ±1dB.
30dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is:
30dB at 1kHz.
This describes the cartridge's ability to keep left and right information recorded on the two groove walls electrically separate.
1.0dB Channel Balance
Dynavector specifies:
1.0dB at 1kHz.
A Phono Stage Is Essential
Do Not Connect the XX-2A Directly to AUX or CD
A normal line-level input does not provide the gain or RIAA equalisation required by a phono cartridge.
The XX-2A must first pass through suitable low-output moving-coil amplification.
Stylus and Cantilever Care
The PF line-contact stylus and solid-boron cantilever are precision components.
Good practice includes:
- Keep records clean
- Keep the stylus free from accumulated debris
- Use a suitable stylus-cleaning method
- Lower the stylus gently using the cueing mechanism
- Avoid touching the boron cantilever
- Protect the cartridge when working around the tonearm
Never Apply Sideways Pressure to the Cantilever
The boron cantilever is extremely rigid, but the stylus, suspension and generator assembly remain delicate.
Do not scrub the stylus from side to side or push it towards the cartridge body while cleaning.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
Like other Dynavector moving-coil cartridges, the XX-2A does not have a removable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
If the stylus eventually becomes worn or the cartridge is damaged, contact Audio T to discuss the appropriate Dynavector service or exchange route.
Do Not Attempt a DIY Stylus Replacement
The stylus, cantilever, damping system and moving-coil generator form a precision assembly.
Dynavector advises owners to arrange warranty, exchange or service requirements through an authorised dealer or distributor.
XX-2A or DV 20X2A?
DV 20X2A
- High or low output available
- 0.3mV low-output version
- 5-ohm low-output impedance
- Micro-Ridge stylus
- Hard-aluminium pipe cantilever
- 12mm/N compliance
- 9.2g weight
- Special Annealing magnetic circuit
XX-2A
- Low output only
- 0.28mV output
- 6-ohm impedance
- PF line-contact stylus
- Solid-boron cantilever
- 10mm/N compliance
- 8.9g weight
- Special Annealing magnetic circuit
Compare the Dynavector DV 20X2A at Audio T.
XX-2A or KARAT 17DX?
XX-2A
- 0.28mV output
- 6-ohm impedance
- Load above 30 ohms
- 6mm solid-boron cantilever
- PF line-contact stylus
- 10mm/N compliance
- 8.9g weight
- Alnico magnets
KARAT 17DX
- 0.3mV output
- 32-ohm impedance
- Load above 100 ohms
- 1.7mm solid-diamond cantilever
- Micro-Ridge stylus
- 15mm/N compliance
- 11g weight
- Samarium-cobalt magnets
Compare the Dynavector KARAT 17DX at Audio T.
Professional Installation Recommended
The XX-2A deserves accurate fitting and setup.
Installation may include:
- Cartridge mounting
- Overhang adjustment
- Offset-angle alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias or anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height adjustment where available
- Azimuth adjustment where available
- MC gain selection
- MC loading adjustment
Because the cartridge is the first component to recover information from the record groove, setup errors at this stage affect everything further down the system.
Who Is the Dynavector XX-2A For?
Well Suited To
- High-quality turntable systems
- Light-to-medium-mass tonearms
- Dedicated low-output MC phono stages
- Adjustable MC phono stages
- Appropriately matched step-up transformers
- Customers wanting a solid-boron cantilever
- Customers wanting a line-contact stylus
- Existing Dynavector owners moving further up the range
- Carefully set-up vinyl systems
Check Before Buying
- 0.28mV low output
- Requires suitable MC gain
- 6-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 30 ohms
- 8.9g cartridge weight
- 10mm/N compliance
- Lightweight headshell recommended
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range
- Line-contact stylus requires accurate alignment
- No user-replaceable stylus
Key Features
- Dynavector XX-2A
- Low-output moving-coil cartridge
- 0.28mV output
- Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit
- Pure-iron magnetic components
- Alnico magnets
- Flux Damper
- High-rigidity magnetic circuit
- Stainless-steel magnetic-circuit fixing
- 6mm solid-boron cantilever
- PF PathFinder line-contact stylus
- 7 x 30-micron stylus radius
- 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB
- 30dB channel separation
- 1.0dB channel balance
- 10mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking force
- 6-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load above 30 ohms
- 8.9g cartridge weight
- Light-to-medium-mass tonearm compatibility
- Lightweight headshell recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dynavector XX-2A moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a low-output moving-coil cartridge.
Is the XX-2A a current Dynavector model?
Yes. The XX-2A is part of Dynavector's current moving-coil cartridge range.
What is the output voltage?
0.28mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
Can I use it with a normal MM phono stage?
Not directly. Its 0.28mV output requires suitable low-output MC gain or an appropriately matched step-up arrangement.
What is the internal impedance?
6 ohms.
What phono-stage load does Dynavector recommend?
Greater than 30 ohms.
Can it be loaded at 47k ohms?
Dynavector states that load settings can extend as high as 47k ohms. However, the phono stage must still provide sufficient low-output MC gain for the cartridge's 0.28mV output.
What is the Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit?
Dynavector uses pure-iron magnetic components and applies a carefully optimised heat-treatment process to restore and maximise their magnetic permeability after machining.
What type of magnet does the XX-2A use?
Alnico.
What is Dynavector Flux Damper?
It is a patented magnetic-control system designed to stabilise disturbances in magnetic flux as the cantilever and moving coils operate.
What is the cantilever made from?
Solid boron.
How long is the cantilever?
6mm.
What stylus does the XX-2A use?
A PF PathFinder line-contact stylus.
What is the stylus radius?
7 x 30 microns.
Does a line-contact stylus require careful alignment?
Yes. Accurate overhang, offset angle and tracking-force setup are particularly worthwhile with this type of stylus.
What is the frequency response?
20Hz to 20kHz ±1dB.
What is the channel separation?
30dB at 1kHz.
What is the channel balance?
1.0dB at 1kHz.
What is the compliance?
10mm/N.
What tracking force should I use?
Dynavector specifies 1.8–2.2g.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
8.9g.
What type of tonearm suits the XX-2A?
Dynavector recommends it for a broad range of light-to-medium-mass tonearms.
Should I use a heavy headshell?
Dynavector recommends a lightweight headshell where the tonearm uses a removable headshell.
Can I use the XX-2A with the Dynavector P75 Mk4.1?
Yes. The P75 Mk4.1 provides suitable low-output MC operating modes and can also offer Dynavector's optional Phono Enhancer configuration.
Can I use a step-up transformer?
Yes, provided it is appropriately matched. Dynavector specifically identifies its SUP-200 as compatible with the XX-2A.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. Dynavector moving-coil cartridges do not have a user-replaceable stylus assembly.
What happens when the stylus eventually wears?
Contact Audio T to discuss the appropriate Dynavector exchange or service options.
Can Audio T fit and align the cartridge?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss tonearm compatibility, cartridge fitting, tracking force, alignment and phono-stage matching.
Related Dynavector Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable and cartridge matching
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- Low-output MC phono-stage matching
- Cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force setup
- Bias and anti-skate adjustment
- Tonearm-height and azimuth guidance
- MC gain and loading advice
- Dynavector P75 configuration
- Step-up transformer matching
- Stylus-care guidance
- Dynavector service and exchange advice
- Part-exchange options
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Dynavector XX-2A is the right match for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.