The XX2

Posted by: Frank Abela on 09 February 2001

Dynavector have stopped making the XX-1L/H. It is being replaced by the XX2. Basically, the XX2 is an XX-1L with the body removed, the damping switch removed as well as much of the internal cladding. The new cartridge looks a lot like a Te Kaitora. The XX2 will retail for £1000 in the UK, and will be expected to make a grand entrance to these shores in early March.

The Te Kaitora still maintains its advantage by having the titaniumbase, silver coils, and higher quality stylus tip.

I shall try to attach a picture of the XX2 here, but no promises since this has never worked for me before.

Regards,
Frank.

Posted on: 09 February 2001 by Martin M
Will the XX-2 have the mounting holes in the correct place for accurate overhang in the Aro like the Te Kaitora?

[This message was edited by Martin M on FRIDAY 09 February 2001 at 10:52.]

Posted on: 09 February 2001 by Frank Abela
Details are thin on it at the moment. I believe the geometry is the same as that of the Te Kaitora which would mean it would be correct. After all, the XX-1's geometry was correct too.

The XX2 looks remarkably like a Te Kaitora. I have a 48k jpeg of it, but no tools to reduce the size of the image to the 30k limit. Any offers anyone? Then you'll be able to see it. (ooh err)

Regards,
Frank.

Posted on: 09 February 2001 by Martin M
I tried a search for Dynavector XX2 on Altavista. I knew this was a mistake as I typed it in. I was intrigued to see that Altavista were thoughtful enough to provide a nice selection of pictures of ladies to accompany the erroneous results of the ill-thought out search. You've have been warned/given a handy tip.
Posted on: 09 February 2001 by Frank Abela
Here's a shot of the XX-2.

Regards,
Frank.

Posted on: 09 February 2001 by ken c
frank:

noddy question about new xx2 --- doesnt that exposed copper (i presume) oxidise after a while??
i guess that dynavector would not do this if there were any such problems, but, just curious...

by the way, does this need any mods at all to the aro, counterweights?? etc...

enjoy...

ken

Posted on: 13 February 2001 by Frank Abela
One of the benefits of removing the switch and body is that the weight of the cartridge comes down to around 10 grams or less, so it becomes available to many more arms than the XX-1L was.

The exposed copper should not suffer from any problems provided it's been treated properly by Dr. T. I would be surprised if DV provided a product that would die prematurely.

The exposed filaments going to the pins is scary, just as they are on the Te Kaitora, but the rear assembly of the new XX2 seems much stronger than the standalone back plate of the TK. I know of someone who broke the backplate while fitting the cartridge to his deck once. It had to go back to Japan to be fixed. The XX2 has something for the back plate to lean against and take the strain.

As to cleaning the stylus, opinions vary on this issue. I have always used DV's big brush to clean it since that's their way. I've heard people whose opinion I respect comment about blowing vapour onto the windings instead of cleaning the stylus properly with a brush. I've had no problems with my Te Kaitora, and can only assume that the windings are treated ins some way to ensure that they don't oxidise, and that they are OK in being handled etc.

I still can't get over just how good the Te Kaitora is - and I've had mine for 16 months! (I really ought to get around to selling it on sometime.)

Regards,
Frank.

Posted on: 14 February 2001 by Frank Abela
Rog

There is no price reduction. The XX2 is the same price as the XX-1L. Therefore you can not expect a 'price realignment' on the TK, which competes very favourably with all the other cartridges out there at its price level.

As I said earlier, the TK maintains its advantage over the XX2 by having the better silver coils, titanium headshell and higher quality stylus tip. This has always been the case since the design of the TK is based very heavily on the XX-1. Therefore one can expect the XX2 to be better than the 1 was but still nowhere near the quality of the TK.

As to whether it weighs less than 9grams, we'll have to wait and see when the cartridge comes out in March...sorry JC!

Regards,
Frank.

Posted on: 14 February 2001 by Frank Abela
The design of the XX2 and TK is heavily based on that of the XX1. Basically they're both XX1's with the body removed and better quality materials. The design is the same!

There has been no mention of using alnico magnets in my dealings with the distributor. Where did you pick up that tidbit?

Regards,
Frank.