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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3 >> Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
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Message started by mperdue63 on 03/06/19 at 21:00:27

Title: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by mperdue63 on 03/06/19 at 21:00:27

Hey guys!
Need some input on a cartridge that I'm considering. Do I need a ZMC in order to use a Dynavector 20X2 high output cartridge with my ZP3? Or should I even be considering a MC HO? I'm trying to decide between the Dyna and a 2MM Black for a new table and arm I have on order. The ZMC would be 4-5 months out at Decware and my table should be ready in a month or so. Thanks for any input you guys can share. I saw where the Hana XL may not be a good match in the forums..Just wondering if maybe the same is true for all MC HO cartridges. Cartridges, tonearm spec's are just Greek to me. Thanks for the help!

Dynavector 20X2 HO Specifications

Type High output moving coil cartridge with flux damper and softened magnetism
Output Voltage 2.8mV
Channel Separation 25 dB (at 1KHz)
Channel balance 1.0 dB (at 1KHz)
Frequency response 20 - 20,000Hz (± 1dB)
Compliance 12 mm/N
Tracking force 1.8 - 2.2 g
Impedance 150 ohms
Recommended load impedance > 1,000 ohms
Cantilever 6mm length, hard aluminium pipe
Stylus tip Micro Ridge Nude diamond
Weight 9.2 g

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by Acetone on 03/06/19 at 22:41:33

Hey 63, I bought the ortofon 2m black at Steve's suggestion. He said the ZP3 like to see 5mv. 2.5mV might still be OK but with that low of output you may need to turn things up!!!! Others on the forums may have gone the 2.5mV route and may chime in on that experience.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by mperdue63 on 03/06/19 at 22:52:56

Acetone,
Thanks for the info. It makes sense to me that the more volts the better headed to the ZP3. A man could spend a lifetime trying to figure out what to buy/pair. Steve's wise counsel has always been spot on in my experience. Have a good evening.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by Archie on 03/07/19 at 00:36:54

I didn't see if you have a pre or not. The output of the ZP3 will be pretty low and straight into most Decware amps you might not (likely not) get full volume without first boosting the voltage. With a CSP3 you wouldn't have any issue except a possible increase in noise. I actually ran a 0.5mV cart straight into my ZP3 when I was waiting for my ZMC1. I had my CSP3 cranked up though.

We've discussed this topic before and even a 5mV cart into a ZP3 gives only about 1/2 V output so full volume is again a problem without a pre or some gain stage.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by mperdue63 on 03/07/19 at 01:22:09

Archie,
Thank you.
I have a CSP3 (25th) on order (Black Friday) and it's getting a little closer everyday. It sounds like the MCHO might be workable using the CSP3 and I also have a ZStage. Could/should I add it between the ZP3 and the CSP3 and be okay with the 2.8Mv cart? So if my chain is Dyna 20X2 HO cart. -ZP3- ZStage ?- CSP3 - ZMA will I be good? or do you a different recommendation? I really appreciate all the information that exists with you guys are the forum.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by NormD on 03/07/19 at 02:13:43

I run a Soundsmith Voice that outputs 2.12mV into a ZP3 into my ZTPre and into my ZMA and it can blow me out of my room.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by mperdue63 on 03/07/19 at 02:35:07

NormD,
Thanks, I'm feeling better about the MCHO cart. and the ZP3, Worth a try and if the reviews on the Dynavector are accurate it will be a little more forgiving on less than perfect vinyl than the 2MM black. I am just getting back into vinyl and the TurnTable manufacturer recommended the Dynavector as a good pairing with their equipment. And it's in my budget.
Have a good evening and thanks for info.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by jslateiv on 03/07/19 at 12:08:33

I think you'll def be fine, esp. if you have the pre in the mix like Norm said. For what it's worth, I ran a 20x2-LO for a while when try to settle on a cart,. Also compared it to a Lyra Delos, Denon DL-103 , Grado Sonata. Ended up with a SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC,.. Couldn't be happier, although if I had to do it again, I would keep with the SoundSmith but use one of the High-Output carts and not futz with SUT's and lo gain,.. The SS's (to my ears) are just so natural and engaging with the plus of not be so delicate as a MC cart,.. and cheap to re-tip or fix if need,.. Certainly ymmv!

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by mperdue63 on 03/07/19 at 15:54:05

Thanks. I'll take a look at the SoundSmith HO's, I still have a few days before I have to commit to a cart. Thanks for the input.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by Archie on 03/07/19 at 18:05:49

I'd put the ZSTAGE in front of the CSP3 if possible. I say this since with my ZROCK2 after the CSP3 I could over-drive the ZR2. Although I don't know if that is an issue with the ZSTAGE. The ZR2 can take a maximum 15 V input while the CSP3 can put out 30 V.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by NormD on 03/07/19 at 18:13:29

Interesting. Just last night I pulled my ZSTAGE out from in front of my ZTPre and I like the way it sounds. I had to turn down my ZTPre volume. The reason I ran this test was I’m thinking of upgrading my ZP3 with the 25th Anniversary mods and eliminate extra stages or cables. I’m seriously thinking of selling my ZSTAGE.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by jslateiv on 03/07/19 at 18:49:46

FWIW, the ZR2 input V specified on the webpage is incorrect at 15V,.. it is actually a max of 4V (not sure if that's rms or PP),.. The ZR2 manual actually states this and Steve mentioned it recently in a post I saw,.. but has yet to correct the webpage,... a 15v input is huge. :o

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by Lon on 03/07/19 at 19:04:17

Actually John the opposite seems true. At first Steve noted that it was a 4v input and then updated it to be 15v. Originally the manual said 4v and was corrected to 15v. I am pretty certain I pump a lot more than 4v into my ZROCK2 daily without overloading it. . . .

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by Archie on 03/07/19 at 19:39:12

I seem to recall that when the ZR became the ZR2 the input voltage allowable went up to the 15 V.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by jslateiv on 03/07/19 at 19:58:31

ok,.. I must have clicked an older link to a ZR2 manual,.. I swear that I remember reading a comment from Steve about it though and him stating a lower V spec and confusion about the 15V, but maybe not,.. I've looked and can't find the post anywhere,... Sorry to sow any confusion here,... :-[

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by Archie on 03/07/19 at 20:22:56

It's a good discussion. With all the voltages in question it's good to confirm.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by Lon on 03/07/19 at 20:43:50

I found this thread:

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1501966093

John, we all get a confusion now and then, there is so much info here!

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by jslateiv on 03/07/19 at 22:03:16

Thanks Lon, actually ran across that moments ago during my frantic search to find Steve's post I swear I previously saw. I sent him an email inquiring, figuring it couldn't hurt to ask and clarify (for my own sake if nothing else),.. :),.. if for some reason his reply is any different then expected based on your link Lon, I'll reply with his comments, for clarification on whatever it is....

and yes,. there is def. enough info to make ones head swim here! [smiley=cheesy.gif] Luckily, this forum is one of the best out there with probably the most considerate of individuals (within forums) contributing!!

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by attym on 03/18/19 at 02:09:53

I run the ZP3 with a Dynavector 20x2HO with great results. I never even considered it wouldn’t work.

Title: Re: Dynavector 20X2 H MC Cartridge with ZP3
Post by RjBU on 04/22/19 at 21:23:39

+1 on the DV20X2H + ZP3 it sounds absolutely fantastic to my ears