Dynavector DV10X5 / DV10XGOLD

Simon,

Thanks for the info, I doubt I'll be able to track down the Limited GOLD version in that case.
The new 10x5 sounds intriguing though.

There's a pic of the 10X5 in this .pdf file from the Dynavector site.

--J

Thanks for the link Jeremy -
I wonder what improvements they've made?
(All 'under the hood' it seems!!)

YW. It looks as if the 10X5 has a long mounting plate rather than small lugs - presumably to enhance stability. It's certainly different from the 10X4 that I used to use. I also suspect the cantilever-tube [or whatever it's called - memory lapse] is thinner.

--J

PS, I just dug out my 10X4 to have a look - I'm not sure the tube is any different - probably just the lighting in the pic.

[This message was edited by JeremyD on MONDAY 24 March 2003 at 14:54.]

The Dynavector 10X4 Gold had the boron cantilever and fine - line stylus from the Karat added to the familiar 10X4. The body was nicely gold plated which made it look like a piece of jewelry. The packaging was a bit nicer than the 10X4's as well. There were 2 versions, high and low output. The 10X4 Gold was an extremely limited production run; as I recall there were only 15 of each version allocated to the entire United States. I have a 10X4 Gold High and it's an outstanding cartridge. The thumbnail description would be that the Gold takes all of the plain 10X4's strengths and adds more of them. The Gold seems to be more detailed too. With its fine line stylus the Gold is rather more demanding about VTA than the 10X4 which is notably un-fussy about that parameter. I think it's wonderful that Dynavector would make a very small run of special hot rodded cartridges.

Here's hoping the DV10x5 incorporates some of those 'GOLD' type improvements - a 10x4 GOLD for the masses perhaps...?
It should be a suitable upgrade from my ageing AT95E, thats for sure!

The website doesn't say what the changes are over the 10x4. It just goes on about how amazing, globally popular and unbeatable for the price it is. It describes an aluminium mounting plate. The 10x4 mounting plate is plastic and much shorter (front-to-back) and thinner as Jeremy describes. Otherwise it looks identical. Cost in Japan is about £165, ie about £25 more expensive than the 10x4 was.

duncan

Email: djcritchley at hotmail.com

Baawaaahaaaahaaaa.....

I HAD the 10xGold until Friday 14th, when I wrote it off... There are only 50 of the high and 50 of the low in the world apparently...

It sounded blinding on the Rega Planar 3/RB300 I use - a blooming AWESOME cartridge...

Now - does anyone know if this can be rebuilt - mine's now sans cantilever...

The Ortofon 540 II I now have (I'm NOT getting another MC thanks - way too paranoid!) is slightly rawer sounding but isn't massively far behind tracking-wise, so if it wasn't for the limited status of the 10xGold I'd be content if not happy!

The 10x5 isn't a rumour - was sworn to secrecy by my dealer but since it's leaked out...

When the music's over turn out the lights

Re: snapped MCs

My condolencies.

I know how you feel...
I have owned two moving coils in the past, an ATF5 and AT0C7 - both ended up with snapped cantilevers
Since then (for about 9 years in fact!) I have just been using an AT95E - indestructable!!!
The time for a new MC has come though... I just need to be more careful this time(!)

quote:

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Originally posted by inkipak:
_Re: snapped MCs_
My condolencies.

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Thanks - much appreciated

I think I'm probably too clumsy to own an MC, although admittedly I broke it while using a stylus balance, not while actually playing records - a good note - if it ain't broke don't fix it!!!

When the music's over turn out the lights

10XGold

Is this particularly easy to break? I have just (3 months ago) bought one myself and wouldn't like to see it's career end too soon.

Does anyone know how the 10XGold compares to the more expensive DV's (17D2, 20XL)?

Claus

I think that it compares very well (I went from a 10xGold low to a 17D2 when I wore the 10x out!) The 17D2 is more refined, with a bit more bass extension and without the slightly zingy treble of the 10x, but I really did like the 10x especially as it was only 20 quid more than the standard 10x4. One word of warning is that it is an extremely light cart and may be difficult to balance on some arms. I don’t think that it is particularly easy to break.

Simon

No - it's not THAT easy to break in normal use - but it's a boron cantilever so will snap, not bend, if torgued in the wrong direction...

I *think* I killed mine while using a stylus balance - I suspect the cantilever slipped onto the felt mat on my TT and got ripped out - not ever having found the cantilever or stylus anywhere means I can't confirm that...

Just treat it with kid gloves and you'll be OK I reckon - learn from MY mistake people

When the music's over turn out the lights

Thanks, seems like I don't have to worry that much after all.

I might have a chance to get my hands on another (new) 10XGold to keep until the current one is worn out. What's your opinion - should I do that, or just wait and buy something else later on ??

Claus