Audio T Verdict
The Dynavector 10XA takes one of the company's longest-running moving-coil cartridge designs and gives it a significant update where it matters most: inside the generator.
At the heart of the 10XA is Dynavector's Special Magnetic Annealing circuit. The company uses pure iron within the magnetic system and carefully controls the annealing process to optimise its magnetic properties. It is a less immediately visible upgrade than a different body shape or stylus, but an MC cartridge ultimately depends on the behaviour of its magnetic circuit to generate the tiny electrical signal sent to your phono stage.
Dynavector retains the nude Shibata III line-contact stylus and 6mm hardened aluminium cantilever, giving the cartridge a sophisticated groove-tracing assembly rather than treating the 10XA simply as an entry point into the range.
There are two versions. The 10XA-H produces a healthy 2.8mV and can work into a suitable MM phono input, including the familiar 47kO load. That makes it a particularly interesting upgrade if you already own a good MM phono stage but want to move into a moving-coil cartridge.
The 10XA-L is the conventional low-output alternative. At 0.5mV it needs considerably more gain, so it should be partnered with a suitable MC phono stage, head amplifier or step-up transformer. Its recommended load is 100 ohms or higher.
Both versions weigh 7.5g, have a compliance of 12mm/N and use a 1.8–2.2g tracking-force range, making the 10XA compatible with a broad selection of conventional tonearms. As ever, broad compatibility does not mean setup can be ignored: accurate alignment and correct phono-stage matching remain essential.
If your system is MM-based, the high-output version makes moving coil unusually straightforward. If you already have proper MC gain and loading available, the low-output version is the more natural choice.
Dynavector 10XA Moving Coil Cartridge
The Dynavector 10XA is available in two versions to suit different phono stages and analogue systems:
- 10XA-H: High-output moving coil with 2.8mV output
- 10XA-L: Low-output moving coil with 0.5mV output
Both versions share:
- Special Magnetic Annealing magnetic circuit
- Magnetic Flux Damper technology
- Softened Magnetism technology
- Neodymium magnet system
- Nude diamond Shibata III line-contact stylus
- 6mm hardened aluminium cantilever
- Machined 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
- 7.5g cartridge weight
High Output or Low Output?
Choosing the correct version for your phono stage is essential.
10XA-H High Output
- 2.8mV output
- 150-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load of 1,000 ohms or higher
- Compatible with a suitable MM phono input
- 47kO MM loading is suitable
- No MC head amplifier or step-up transformer required
10XA-L Low Output
- 0.5mV output
- 32-ohm internal impedance
- Recommended load of 100 ohms or higher
- Requires suitable MC gain
- Can work with compatible MC phono stages
- Also suitable for appropriate head amplifiers or step-up transformers
Choose the Version to Match Your Phono Stage
The 10XA-H and 10XA-L require very different amounts of phono-stage gain.
Do not choose purely on the assumption that low output is automatically better. The correct version is the one that properly matches the gain and loading available from your phono stage.
If you are unsure, speak to Audio T before ordering.
Special Magnetic Annealing
The major development in the 10XA is its new magnetic circuit.
The generator uses pure iron, chosen for its stable magnetic characteristics and low distortion.
Dynavector then applies a carefully controlled annealing process, managing factors including:
- Annealing temperature
- Processing environment
- Heating duration
- Heating rate
- Cooling rate
The process changes the magnetic properties of the iron rather than simply altering its physical appearance.
Why the Magnetic Circuit Matters
In a moving-coil cartridge, microscopic movement from the stylus and cantilever must be converted into an electrical signal by the generator.
The behaviour of the magnetic field therefore has a direct relationship with the signal ultimately reaching the phono stage.
Dynavector developed the Special Magnetic Annealing circuit to improve magnetic stability and reduce unwanted distortion within this process.
Softened Magnetism
The 10XA also retains Dynavector's patented Softened Magnetism technology.
Powerful rare-earth magnets such as neodymium make it possible to generate useful output from a compact moving-coil system, but Dynavector also focuses on controlling the magnetic field rather than simply maximising its strength.
Magnetic Flux Damper
Dynavector's Magnetic Flux Damper forms another part of the generator design.
Working alongside Softened Magnetism and the Special Magnetic Annealing circuit, it contributes to Dynavector's approach to maintaining controlled behaviour within the cartridge's magnetic system.
10XA-H High Output
The 10XA-H produces:
2.8mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
Its internal impedance is:
150 ohms.
Dynavector recommends a phono-stage load of:
1,000 ohms or higher.
A conventional:
47kO MM phono input
is therefore also suitable.
Moving Coil With MM-Friendly Output
Dynavector achieves the higher output by winding ultra-fine wire around the moving coil multiple times.
The result is still a genuine moving-coil generator, but with substantially more voltage than a conventional low-output MC cartridge.
Ideal If You Already Own a Good MM Phono Stage
The 10XA-H can provide a straightforward route from moving magnet to moving coil without automatically requiring another phono stage.
Check that your existing stage provides suitable gain and loading, but a standard 47kO MM load is compatible.
10XA-L Low Output
The 10XA-L produces:
0.5mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
Internal impedance is:
32 ohms.
Dynavector specifies a recommended phono-stage load of:
100 ohms or higher.
This version is intended for systems with suitable low-output MC amplification.
The 10XA-L Needs Proper MC Gain
The 0.5mV low-output model is not intended to be connected directly to a standard MM-only phono stage.
Use a suitable MC phono stage, head amplifier or compatible step-up transformer.
Gain and Loading Are Different Things
Phono-stage setup involves two separate electrical considerations:
- Gain: How much the tiny cartridge signal is amplified
- Loading: The electrical load presented to the cartridge
A phono stage can provide an appropriate load while still having the wrong amount of gain, or vice versa.
Both need to suit the cartridge version being used.
Nude Diamond Shibata III Stylus
Both versions of the 10XA use a nude Shibata III line-contact diamond.
Nude means that the diamond itself forms the complete stylus rather than being bonded onto a separate metal shank.
The Shibata profile has a more extended contact area with the groove wall than a conventional spherical or elliptical stylus.
Why Use a Shibata Stylus?
The fine line-contact profile is designed to trace detailed groove modulation accurately.
Its advantages can include:
- Accurate high-frequency tracing
- Good tracking of complex groove information
- Extended contact with the groove wall
- Retrieval of fine recorded detail
Accurate Alignment Is Important
A sophisticated stylus profile deserves accurate installation.
Correct setup may involve:
- 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 method for your turntable and tonearm.
Poor cartridge alignment can increase distortion, compromise tracking and contribute to unnecessary stylus or record wear.
6mm Hardened Aluminium Cantilever
The Shibata III stylus is mounted on a:
6mm hardened aluminium pipe cantilever.
The cantilever carries the movement of the diamond into the cartridge generator, so its rigidity and moving mass are important parts of the overall design.
Machined Aluminium Head Block
The distinctive red head block is machined from aluminium.
It provides a rigid platform between the moving-coil motor and the tonearm headshell.
A secure mechanical connection is important because the stylus is measuring groove movements on an extremely small scale.
7.5g Weight
The 10XA weighs:
7.5g.
Dynavector describes the cartridge as compatible with the vast majority of tonearms, helped by its conventional weight and compliance.
Still Check Your Tonearm Before Ordering
Broad compatibility does not mean every cartridge works optimally in every tonearm.
Confirm that your arm can accommodate the 7.5g cartridge weight, 12mm/N compliance and 1.8–2.2g tracking-force requirement while still allowing correct alignment and counterweight adjustment.
12mm/N Compliance
Dynavector specifies compliance of:
12mm/N.
Compliance describes the mechanical flexibility of the cartridge's suspension.
Together with tonearm effective mass, it contributes to the mechanical matching between cartridge and arm.
1.8–2.2g Tracking Force
Dynavector specifies a tracking range of:
1.8–2.2g.
Do Not Deliberately Under-Track the Cartridge
Running below the recommended tracking-force range does not automatically protect your records.
Too little force can allow the stylus to lose secure contact with the groove and mistrack.
Set the cartridge within Dynavector's specified range and verify the setting with an accurate stylus-force gauge where possible.
20Hz to 20kHz Frequency Response
Dynavector specifies:
20Hz – 20kHz ±2dB.
25dB Channel Separation
Channel separation is specified at:
25dB at 1kHz.
This describes the cartridge's ability to keep the left and right signals recorded on the two groove walls electrically distinct.
1.0dB Channel Balance
Dynavector specifies channel balance of:
1.0dB at 1kHz.
A Phono Stage Is Essential
Do Not Connect the 10XA to a Normal Line Input
A phono cartridge cannot be connected directly to an AUX, CD, tuner or other conventional line-level input.
The 10XA requires an appropriate phono stage providing the necessary gain and RIAA equalisation.
High Output Versus Low Output
Choose 10XA-H If...
- You already own a good MM phono stage
- Your amplifier provides MM but not MC
- You want a straightforward route into moving coil
- You want to avoid adding a step-up transformer
- A 2.8mV cartridge suits your phono-stage gain
Choose 10XA-L If...
- You have a suitable MC phono stage
- Your stage provides appropriate MC gain
- 100 ohms or higher loading is available
- You use a compatible head amplifier
- You use an appropriate step-up transformer
Stylus Care
Keeping the Shibata III stylus and your records clean helps the cartridge maintain consistent groove contact.
Good practice includes:
- Keeping records free from dust and contamination
- Using a suitable stylus-cleaning method
- Cueing records gently
- Avoiding sideways pressure on the cantilever
- Protecting the stylus while working around the tonearm
The Stylus and Cantilever Are Delicate
Do not apply sideways or forward pressure to the cantilever while cleaning the stylus.
A cartridge can be damaged by a relatively small accidental force applied in the wrong direction.
No User-Replaceable Stylus
Dynavector cartridges are moving-coil designs and do not use the removable stylus assembly commonly found on many moving-magnet cartridges.
If the stylus becomes worn or the cartridge is damaged, servicing or replacement should be arranged through an authorised Dynavector dealer.
Dynavector Exchange Service
Dynavector operates an exchange service for eligible out-of-warranty cartridges.
Speak to Audio T if your cartridge requires attention and we can advise on the appropriate route rather than attempting to dismantle the cartridge at home.
Professional Fitting and Setup
Installing a cartridge correctly can involve considerably more than tightening two mounting screws.
Audio T can help with:
- Cartridge mounting
- Overhang and alignment
- Tracking force
- Bias or anti-skate
- Tonearm compatibility
- Phono-stage gain
- Phono-stage loading
- General turntable setup
10XA or 10X5 MkII?
The 10XA represents the latest development of Dynavector's long-running 10X family.
10X5 MkII
- High or low output versions
- Nude Shibata III stylus
- Hardened aluminium cantilever
- Magnetic Flux Damper
- Softened Magnetism
- 12mm/N compliance
- 7.5g weight
10XA
- Latest 10X generation
- High or low output versions
- New Special Magnetic Annealing circuit
- Nude Shibata III stylus
- Hardened aluminium cantilever
- Softened Magnetism
- 12mm/N compliance
- 7.5g weight
Compare the Dynavector 10X5 MkII at Audio T.
Who Is the Dynavector 10XA 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
- Existing Dynavector owners looking at the latest 10X generation
Check Before Buying
- Select high or low output correctly
- Confirm phono-stage gain
- Confirm phono-stage loading
- Check tonearm compatibility
- 7.5g cartridge weight
- 12mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking-force requirement
- Accurate Shibata alignment is important
- Stylus is not user replaceable
Key Features
- Dynavector 10XA
- 10XA-H high-output version
- 10XA-L low-output version
- Moving-coil generator
- Special Magnetic Annealing circuit
- Pure-iron magnetic circuit
- Magnetic Flux Damper
- Softened Magnetism
- Neodymium magnet
- Nude diamond stylus
- Shibata III line-contact profile
- 6mm hardened aluminium cantilever
- Machined aluminium head block
- 2.8mV high output
- 0.5mV low output
- 150-ohm high-output impedance
- 32-ohm low-output impedance
- High-output load 1,000 ohms or higher
- 47kO MM input compatible with 10XA-H
- Low-output load 100 ohms or higher
- 20Hz–20kHz ±2dB
- 25dB channel separation
- 1.0dB channel balance
- 12mm/N compliance
- 1.8–2.2g tracking force
- 7.5g weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dynavector 10XA moving magnet or moving coil?
It is a moving-coil cartridge.
Are there high and low output versions?
Yes. The 10XA-H is high output and the 10XA-L is low output.
What is the output of the 10XA-H?
2.8mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
What is the output of the 10XA-L?
0.5mV at 1kHz / 5cm/sec.
Can the 10XA-H work with an MM phono stage?
Yes. Dynavector specifically states that connection to an MM phono input with a 47kO load is possible.
Does the 10XA-H need a step-up transformer?
No, not when used with a suitable higher-gain phono input such as an appropriate MM stage.
Can the 10XA-L work directly into an MM-only phono stage?
No. Its 0.5mV output requires suitable MC gain from an MC phono stage, head amplifier or compatible step-up transformer.
What load does Dynavector recommend for 10XA-H?
1,000 ohms or higher.
What load does Dynavector recommend for 10XA-L?
100 ohms or higher.
What is the internal impedance of 10XA-H?
150 ohms.
What is the internal impedance of 10XA-L?
32 ohms.
What is Special Magnetic Annealing?
Dynavector uses pure iron within the magnetic circuit and applies a controlled heat-treatment process to optimise its magnetic properties. Temperature, environment and heating and cooling rates are carefully managed during manufacture.
What stylus does the 10XA use?
A nude diamond Shibata III line-contact stylus.
What is the cantilever made from?
A 6mm hardened aluminium pipe.
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 the compliance?
12mm/N.
What tracking force should I use?
Dynavector specifies 1.8–2.2g.
How much does the cartridge weigh?
7.5g.
Will it fit my tonearm?
Dynavector describes the 10XA as broadly compatible with the majority of tonearms, but your arm should still be checked for suitable cartridge weight, compliance, counterweight range and alignment adjustment.
Does the Shibata stylus need careful alignment?
Yes. Accurate cartridge alignment is particularly worthwhile with a fine line-contact profile.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
No. Dynavector moving-coil cartridges do not have a user-replaceable stylus assembly.
What happens when the stylus wears out?
Contact Audio T to discuss the appropriate Dynavector exchange or service options.
Can I connect the 10XA directly to an AUX or CD input?
No. A suitable phono stage providing gain and RIAA equalisation is required.
Can Audio T fit and align the cartridge?
Yes. Speak to your local Audio T store about cartridge fitting, tonearm setup and phono-stage matching.
Which version should I buy?
Choose the 10XA-H if your system has a suitable higher-gain or MM phono input. Choose the 10XA-L if you have an appropriate low-output MC phono stage or step-up arrangement.
Related Dynavector Products
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
- Tonearm compatibility checks
- Turntable setup
- Stylus-care guidance
- Dynavector service and exchange advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss whether the Dynavector 10XA-H or 10XA-L is the right match for your turntable, tonearm and phono stage.