Dynavector XX-2A Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

The Dynavector XX-2A is a low-output moving coil cartridge that marks the transition into Dynavector's advanced lineup. It pairs a solid boron cantilever with a PF line-contact diamond stylus (7 x 30 micron) and an alnico magnet generator with specially annealed pure iron components. At 0.28mV output and 6 ohms impedance, it requires a dedicated MC phono stage, but rewards the investment with 30dB channel separation and ±1dB frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz.

The XX-2A is where Dynavector's cartridge range shifts from very good to serious reference territory. The boron cantilever and alnico magnets are technologies shared with their flagship models, and the difference over the aluminum-cantilever 20X2 series is immediately apparent in how the cartridge handles transients and resolves fine spatial detail. For anyone building or upgrading a serious analog front end, the XX-2A represents the sweet spot between the accessible 20X2 models and the ultra-premium Karat and Te Kaitora Rua.

Key Features of the Dynavector XX-2A

• Solid Boron Cantilever: 6mm boron rod delivers exceptional rigidity-to-mass ratio for faster transients and more accurate tracking than aluminum
• PF Line-Contact Stylus: 7 x 30 micron diamond profile traces deep into the groove for extended frequency response and minimal distortion
• Alnico Magnets: Provide minimal fluctuation in magnetic force during playback, delivering superior signal-to-noise ratio and transient accuracy compared to rare-earth alternatives
• Specially Annealed Magnetic Circuit: Pure iron core with custom heat treatment maximizes magnetic permeability and minimizes generator distortion
• Patented Flux Damping: Stabilizes magnetic flux within the air gap for consistent, low-distortion performance
• 30dB Channel Separation: Significantly higher separation than the 20X2 series (25dB), indicating a more refined generator assembly
• High-Rigidity Construction: Stainless steel bolts with precision torque adjustment during assembly for structural integrity
• 6 Ohm Impedance: Ultra-low impedance presents an easy load to MC phono stages

Boron Cantilever: The Step Up from Aluminum

The XX-2A's solid boron cantilever is the most significant upgrade over the 20X2 series. Boron has roughly four times the stiffness of aluminum at a similar mass, which means the cantilever transmits the stylus vibrations to the coils with less energy loss and faster response. In practice, this translates to tighter bass definition, more precise transient edges, and better retrieval of the spatial cues embedded in the recording. The 6mm length is optimized for the compliance and tracking force range of the XX-2A's generator design.

Alnico Magnets vs. Neodymium

Where Dynavector's lower models use neodymium magnets for their strong field output, the XX-2A uses alnico (aluminum-nickel-cobalt) magnets. Alnico magnets have different characteristics: their field strength is lower than neodymium, but the field is more stable and linear under dynamic conditions. During playback, as the coils move through the magnetic gap, alnico magnets exhibit minimal fluctuation in magnetic force. This stability contributes to lower noise, better transient fidelity, and a more natural dynamic envelope. Dynavector reserves alnico for their higher-tier models where the improved generator linearity can be fully exploited.

Specially Annealed Pure Iron Circuit

The XX-2A's magnetic circuit uses pure iron components processed with Dynavector's special annealing technique. The custom heating and cooling cycle restores the crystal structure of the iron, maximizing its magnetic permeability. Higher permeability means the magnetic circuit conducts flux more efficiently with less loss, reducing the distortion that originates in the core material itself. This annealed circuit works in conjunction with the alnico magnets and flux damper to deliver the XX-2A's specified 30dB channel separation, a 5dB improvement over the 20X2.

PF Line-Contact Stylus Profile

The PF (Pathfinder) line-contact stylus has a 7 x 30 micron contact radius, providing a narrow, elongated footprint on the groove wall. This profile traces groove modulations more completely than broader stylus shapes, extracting the high-frequency information and micro-dynamics that contribute to a three-dimensional soundstage. The line-contact profile also distributes tracking force over a larger vertical area, reducing the pressure per unit area and extending both stylus and record life. Mounted nude on the boron cantilever, the PF stylus achieves the ±1dB frequency response that distinguishes the XX-2A from less capable designs.

Explore the Full Dynavector Cartridge Lineup

The XX-2A sits at the beginning of Dynavector's advanced range. Here's how it fits:

• Dynavector DV-20X2A - Mid-range with micro-ridge stylus and aluminum cantilever at a lower price.
• Dynavector Karat 17DX - Diamond cantilever and micro-ridge stylus in a gold-plated body.
• Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua - Near-flagship with boron cantilever and comprehensive flux damping.
• Dynavector DRT XV-1s - Flagship with diamond cantilever and Direct Rear Terminal construction.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Dynavector XX-2A Specifications