Dynavector

Flagship — low-output MC, Titanium cantilever

Special Annealing for pure iron and ALNICO magnets

First realised in the Dynavector 20X2A, the Special Annealing Process now reaches the XV Series, bringing the full potential of the magnetic circuit to Dynavector’s flagship for the first time.

Developed in collaboration with specialists in advanced magnetic materials, the Special Annealing Process addresses a problem that conventional magnetic annealing cannot fully solve. Processing and machining, distort the crystal structure of metal at the atomic level, reducing magnetic permeability. A generic annealing process cannot fully reverse this.

Dynavector’s process requires fine tuning and adjustments in temperature, atmosphere, duration, and both heating and cooling rates for each component. A technique passed down through the tradition of Japanese swordsmithing and now applied to the pursuit of perfect sound.

In the XV Ultima, this discipline goes further than ever before. Not only the yokes and the equaliser, but the eight ALNICO magnets themselves have also be treated with Dynavector’s Special Annealing. This pushes the ALNICOs potential to its limit. No other Dynavector cartridge has been built this way.

The result is pure iron and magnet restored to its full magnetic potential, delivering unrivalled resolution, smooth wide-range expression and an expansive sound field.

Cross Armature & Ultra fine Coil

In pursuit of true sound retrieval, attention turned to the moving assembly itself. Every gram between stylus and signal is a compromise — mass that must be accelerated, decelerated, and controlled at frequencies the ear is most sensitive to. The material is also very important.

The coil bobbin is made from research-grade ultra-high-purity iron, far exceeding the purity of conventional magnetic materials. This exceptional material responds to minute magnetic changes with outstanding linearity and minimal distortion in the signal.

The bobbin is then precision-cut into a cross-armature shape, removing unnecessary material while preserving the rigidity required for precise coil alignment.

The coil wire is re-evaluated with the same discipline. Ultra-fine pure copper wire, thinner than a human hair, is selected to reduce moving mass to an absolute minimum.

The lower the moving mass, the more faithfully the stylus follows groove modulations. The result is exceptional low-level resolution, silence between notes, and a soundstage that combines delicacy with physical presence.

Hybrid Structure with Bamboo Composite

Cartridge performance is influenced not only by the magnetic circuit and vibration system, but also by the behaviour of the structure itself. Rather than relying on a single material, the XV Ultima combines precision-machined aluminium with specially treated laminated bamboo selected for its balance of rigidity, low mass and natural damping behaviour. The bamboo composite is engineered for dimensional stability and precision machining, providing a stable foundation for the magnetic assembly while helping control unwanted resonance.

The surface is finished with a coating inspired by traditional Japanese Urushi finishes, further enhancing rigidity and damping performance. The result is a hybrid structure that combines mechanical stability with a natural and unforced musical presentation.

“V” Topology with 8 Magnets

Every cartridge design faces the same contradiction: expose the magnetic circuit for sound quality, or enclose it for usability. Without compromise, the XV series resolves this by redesigning the form itself.

The inverted V-body exposes the magnetic circuit and wiring completely, eliminating the energy retention and resonance that enclosures can introduce. Yet the structure provides a secure, natural grip, inspiring confidence where most nude cartridges demand caution.

The same refusal to compromise extends to the magnetic circuit itself. In a conventional MC cartridge, magnetic flux travels through a yoke to reach the generating coil. Every millimetre of that journey introduces loss and distortion. The XV shortens the journey to its absolute minimum.

Eight ALNICO magnets make this possible. Four form the main circuit through the V-shaped front yoke. Four more sit directly adjacent to the armature, one for each coil, delivering flux via the shortest possible path.

ALNICO was chosen deliberately. Where rare earth magnets generate a powerful but harder field, ALNICO produces one of exceptional smoothness and linearity. The result is naturalness of tone, delicacy in the upper frequencies and a musical coherence that high-energy magnets rarely achieve.

Square Aperture & Equalizer

In a conventional magnetic circuit, the flux pathways for each coil interfere with one another. The XV takes this problem seriously and goes a a step further, redesigning small details that would ensure proper isolation between the pathways.

The opening (aperture) in the front yoke was redesigned into a square shape with slits at the corners to match the square armature precisely, and the equalising piece was divided into four sections, creating an independent magnetic pathway for each coil. Each one operates in its own clean channel, free from the cross-interference that compromises conventional designs.

The result is true channel separation, lower distortion, and a level of resolution that the original circuit could not achieve.

Flux Damper

Moving Coils are based on the magnetic field. Dynavector’s founding principle is simple: precision must begin at the source.

During early cartridge development, engineers identified microscopic fluctuations in magnetic flux within the circuit. Even the smallest deviation in flux density changes the magnetic field acting in the air gap. This manifests directly as distortion in the output signal.

The flux damper cancels the distortion at the root by winding a shorted wire around the front yoke. The flux damper, produces counter flux that neutralises the fluctuations and holds the magnetic field stable. In the case for the XV series two flux dampers are wound on each side of the yoke to stabilise the two circuits generated by the eight magnets.

The result is what defines the Dynavector sound, a clean, natural signal that is free from distortion which causes harshness and colouration.

XV PRIMA

Special Annealing for pure iron and ALNICO magnets

First realised in the Dynavector 20X2A, the Special Annealing Process now reaches the XV Series, bringing the full potential of the magnetic circuit to Dynavector’s flagship for the first time.

Developed in collaboration with specialists in advanced magnetic materials, the Special Annealing Process addresses a problem that conventional magnetic annealing cannot fully solve. Processing and machining, distort the crystal structure of metal at the atomic level, reducing magnetic permeability. A generic annealing process cannot fully reverse this.

Dynavector’s process requires fine tuning and adjustments in temperature, atmosphere, duration, and both heating and cooling rates for each component. A technique passed down through the tradition of Japanese swordsmithing and now applied to the pursuit of perfect sound.

In the XV Prima, this discipline goes further than ever before. Not only the yokes and the equaliser, but the eight ALNICO magnets themselves have also be treated with Dynavector’s Special Annealing. This pushes the ALNICOs potential to its limit. No other Dynavector cartridge has been built this way.

The result is pure iron and magnet restored to its full magnetic potential, delivering unrivalled resolution, smooth wide-range expression and an expansive sound field.

Hybrid Structure with African Ebony

Cartridge performance is influenced not only by the magnetic circuit and vibration system, but also by the behaviour of the structure itself. Rather than relying on a single material, the XV Prima combines precision-machined aluminium with carefully selected African ebony used to support the magnetic assembly.

Chosen for its high density, uniform internal structure and natural damping characteristics, the ebony contributes to the stable and balanced sound character that defines the XV Prima. After precision machining, each ebony component is individually finished by skilled craftsmen to ensure consistency and long-term stability. The result is a hybrid structure that combines mechanical integrity with a natural and musically coherent presentation.

“V” Topology with 8 Magnets

Every cartridge design faces the same contradiction: expose the magnetic circuit for sound quality, or enclose it for usability. Without compromise, the XV series resolves this by redesigning the form itself.

The inverted V-body exposes the magnetic circuit and wiring completely, eliminating the energy retention and resonance that enclosures can introduce. Yet the structure provides a secure, natural grip, inspiring confidence where most nude cartridges demand caution.

The same refusal to compromise extends to the magnetic circuit itself. In a conventional MC cartridge, magnetic flux travels through a yoke to reach the generating coil. Every millimetre of that journey introduces loss and distortion. The XV shortens the journey to its absolute minimum.

Eight ALNICO magnets make this possible. Four form the main circuit through the V-shaped front yoke. Four more sit directly adjacent to the armature, one for each coil, delivering flux via the shortest possible path.

ALNICO was chosen deliberately. Where rare earth magnets generate a powerful but harder field, ALNICO produces one of exceptional smoothness and linearity. The result is naturalness of tone, delicacy in the upper frequencies and a musical coherence that high-energy magnets rarely achieve.

Square Aperture & Equalizer

In a conventional magnetic circuit, the flux pathways for each coil interfere with one another. The XV takes this problem seriously and goes a a step further, redesigning small details that would ensure proper isolation between the pathways.

The opening (aperture) in the front yoke was redesigned into a square shape with slits at the corners to match the square armature precisely, and the equalising piece was divided into four sections, creating an independent magnetic pathway for each coil. Each one operates in its own clean channel, free from the cross-interference that compromises conventional designs.

The result is true channel separation, lower distortion, and a level of resolution that the original circuit could not achieve.

Flux Damper

Moving Coils are based on the magnetic field. Dynavector’s founding principle is simple: precision must begin at the source.

During early cartridge development, engineers identified microscopic fluctuations in magnetic flux within the circuit. Even the smallest deviation in flux density changes the magnetic field acting in the air gap. This manifests directly as distortion in the output signal.

The flux damper cancels the distortion at the root by winding a shorted wire around the front yoke. The flux damper, produces counter flux that neutralises the fluctuations and holds the magnetic field stable. In the case for the XV series two flux dampers are wound on each side of the yoke to stabilise the two circuits generated by the eight magnets.

The result is what defines the Dynavector sound, a clean, natural signal that is free from distortion which causes harshness and colouration.

TE KAITORA RUA

Ultra-low-output MC, boron cantilever

Improvements of Te Kaitora Rua phono cartridge

• The wire for the coil has been changed to the PCOCC copper wire from the silver wire. It sounds a much smoother and has a much better musical performance.
• A titanium headpiece for maximum ridgity along with a miniature stainless steel bolt coupling the front and rear yokes to the magnetic circuit assembly.
• A 6mm long boron cantilever with the Pathfinder (PF) line contact stylus as used with both Dynavector XV-1s and XX-2 moving coil cartridge.
• The ingenious square shaped armature and matching square shaped aperture in the front yoke providing much improved linearity in the magnetic flux distribution.
• Alnico magnets are used for high magnetic flux density.

Type

low output moving coil cartridge
with flux damper and alnico magnet

Output Voltage

0.26 mV (at 1KHz, 5cm/sec.)

Channel Separation

30 dB (at 1KHz)

Channel balance

1.0 dB (at 1KHz)

Frequency response

20 – 20,000 Hz（±1dB）

Compliance

10 mm/N

Tracking force

1.8 – 2.2 g

Impedance

6 ohms

Recommended load impedance

> 30 ohms

Cantilever

6mm length solid boron

Stylus tip

PF Line contact shape,
stylus radius: 7 x 30 micron

Weight

9.8 g

XX-2A

While an exceptional vibration system is essential for a high-performance MC cartridge, we emphasise the critical role of the magnetic circuit. The cartridge’s output signal is intricately tied to the movement of the vibration system within the magnetic circuit, where electricity is generated as the coil vibrates amidst the magnetic flux.

To ensure optimal output, it is imperative that the magnetic flux maintains high density and stability. We employ pure iron for our magnetic circuit due to its high magnetic permeability and exceptional stability, resulting in a distortion-free output. However, the processing of metal parts often distorts the crystal structure at the atomic level, leading to a loss of magnetic permeability.

Magnetic annealing, a process of heating and cooling processed parts, is crucial for restoring the distorted metal crystal structure and regenerating magnetic permeability. However, a generic magnetic annealing cannot fully restore distortions in the crystal structure. The magnetic annealing conditions vary depending on the parts material, size, shape, etc. Our recent development focused on finding the best magnetic annealing process, including temperature, environment, duration, and heating and cooling rates. This meticulous approach has enabled us to unleash the full potential of pure iron’s unique magnetic performance.

The new magnetic circuit has significantly enhanced sound quality, delivering unrivalled resolution, smooth wide-range expression, and expansive sound field. Experience the natural and dynamic sound of the Dynavector XX-2A phono cartridge, where an exceptional vibration system harmonises seamlessly with an optimised magnetic circuit.

Benefits of Magnetic Annealing

Magnetic annealing rejuvenates the distorted crystal structure, restoring magnetic permeability to its original state.

Solid Boron Cantilever

The XX-2A phono cartridge is equipped with a 6mm length solid boron cantilever, coupled with a PathFinder (PF) line contact stylus, creating a lightweight and rigid vibration system for enhanced playback accuracy.

Solid Boron Cantilever

The XX-2A phono cartridge is equipped with a 6mm length solid boron cantilever, coupled with a PathFinder (PF) line contact stylus, creating a lightweight and rigid vibration system for enhanced playback accuracy.

DV20X-2A

High-output MC — compatible with MM phono stages

he DV 20X2A phono cartridge is a basic model of the Dynavector MC cartridge series. Using the same base structure as our higher-end models XX-2A and Te Kaitora Rua, it has a solid aluminium alloy body, hard aluminium cantilever and a Micro-Ridge stylus tip.

This DV 20X2A phono cartridge has 2 types for you to choose from according to your system.
The 20X2A-L (low output model) has the output as a regular MC cartridge while the 20X2A-H (high output model) is an MC cartridge that suitable for the most MM input.

This cartridge is ideal for not only those who want to fully enjoy the sound from an MC cartridge, but also those who would like to easily experience the charms of an MC cartridge without the need to use an MC step up transformer.

High Output Model / Low Output Model

The high output model 20X2A-H achieves an output voltage of 2.8mV by using Dynavectors legendary coil winding technology. By winding the coil many times with ultra-fine wire, the cartridge can obtain a high output equivalent to an MM cartridge. Thus allowing the MC cartridge to be connected to PHONO terminal for MM input without the need for a head amplifier or step-up transformer.
The low output model 20X2A-L has a 0.3mV output voltage, using the same PCOCC wires as the higher-end models for the coil. The recommended load impedance of the head amplifier is 30Ω or more, making it compatible with most head amplifiers and MC step-up transformers.

Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit

At the heart of every MC cartridge lies its magnetic circuit. The quality of that circuit has a direct impact on the sound. Dynavector uses pure iron for its stable and low-distortion magnetic properties, and takes this a step further with a carefully controlled annealing process. By precisely managing factors such as temperature, environment, and heating / cooling rates, this process refines the magnetic properties of the circuit to deliver expansive resonant sound without distortion and exceptional resolution.

Neodymium magnets and soft magnets

The series employs a patented softened magnets developed to reduce distortion and harsh irritating edgy sounds caused by rare earth magnets while still achieving high output from powerful neodymium magnets. While taking advantage of the powerful magnetic force of neodymium magnets the cartridge achieves a clear separation of sound.

Hard Aluminium Pipe / Cantilever

The hollow hard aluminium pipe cantilever used, reduces the vibration system mass, achieving a wide bandwidth with clear high frequencies.

Micro-Ridge Stylus

A Micro-Ridge stylus is used for the stylus tip. Although the part that contacts the record groove has a minute radius curvature of only 2 microns, the band-like shape of the tip makes it resistant to abrasion and will provide ideal performance over a long period of time.

10XA-H/L

The Dynavector 10X series is a high output Moving Coil (MC) Cartridge that has been acclaimed worldwide since its release in 1978, amazing the audio industry by unleashing something that was long considered a challenge for MC cartridges.
In both 1978 and 1981, the 10X series was honored the Design and Engineering Award at Chicago CES（Consumer’s Electronics Show）and has continued to captivate audiophiles around the world with its distinctive red body.
Since its debut, the 10X series has continuously evolved to deliver a better experience for our users. In 2003, a solid aluminum head block was introduced for increased rigidity providing a better platform to secure with the headshell. In 2018, the 10X5 MkII replaced the traditional elliptical stylus tip with a “Shibata III” line contact stylus improving tracking ability.
Now, in 2025, the 10X series reaches new heights of performance with a newly developed magnetic circuit that incorporates Dynavector’s proprietary “Special Magnetic Annealing” technology. The new 10XA model delivers exceptionally smooth and articulate analog playback, offering a listening experience that goes far beyond what is expected from an entry-level cartridge.

Shibata Type III Stylus for Exceptional High Frequency Performance

To meet the demands of today’s wide range analog playback systems, the 10XA features a Shibata Type III stylus, known for its superior high-frequency response. The cantilever is made from lightweight, rigid aluminum pipe. This improves groove tracking significantly, enabling higher resolution playback.

10XA-H: The Legendary High Output MC Cartridge

Dynavector’s unique coil winding technology made high output MC cartridges possible. By winding an ultra-fine wire many times around the coil bobbin, the phono cartridge can retain a healthy 2.8mV output, eliminating the need for a head amplifier or a step-up transformer. It retains the sonic advantages of an MC cartridge while offering the ease of use of an MM cartridge.
Recommended load impedance is 1,000Ω or higher.
Connection to a PHONO input in MM position (47KΩ load) is also possible.

10XA-L: A Low Output Model that Captures the True Characteristics of an MC

The low-output 10XA-L model offers an output voltage of 0.5mV, allowing excellent compatibility with a wide range of step-up transformers and head amplifiers. This model lets you fully experience the distinct qualities of MC playback. Recommended load impedance is 100Ω or higher.