{"product_id":"dynavector-aska-moving-coil-phono-cartridge","title":"Dynavector Aska Moving Coil Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Dynavector Aska is the new entry point to Dynavector's moving coil cartridge range, a hand-assembled MC built in Japan and offered in both high output (2.8mV) and low output (0.3mV) versions. The high output Aska-H runs straight into a standard MM phono input, so your first moving coil no longer requires a step-up transformer or a new phono stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #f9f5f0; border-left: 4px solid #A3704D; padding: 12px 16px; margin: 16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-Order Now.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shipping estimated August 2026.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Dynavector Aska\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh and Low Output Versions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose the 2.8mV Aska-H or the 0.3mV Aska-L. Same body, same generator philosophy, matched to the phono stage you already own.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMM Input Compatible (Aska-H):\u003c\/strong\u003e Dynavector's fine-wire coil winding holds a healthy 2.8mV output, so the Aska-H connects to a PHONO input in the MM position with no head amplifier or step-up transformer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Annealing Magnetic Circuit:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pure iron magnetic circuit passes through a precisely controlled annealing process that refines its magnetic properties for lower distortion and higher resolution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoftened Neodymium Magnets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dynavector's patented softened magnet technology keeps the drive of powerful neodymium magnets while taming the hard, edgy character rare earth magnets can introduce.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElliptical Stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e An elongated contact surface tracks fine high-frequency groove detail that spherical profiles miss, and it stays stable across a wide range of cartridge alignments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThreaded M2.5 Mounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Screw holes are threaded directly into the body, so installation is a straight screwdriver job with no nut to hold.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-Assembled in Japan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every production stage from molding and heat treatment through plating and final adjustment happens in Japan, and each cartridge is individually inspected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhere the Moving Coil Journey Begins\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aska exists to make the first step into moving coil as inviting as possible. It carries the same design philosophy as Dynavector's upper-tier cartridges, built by the company Dr. Noboru Tominari founded in 1978 on the conviction that the cartridge shapes recorded sound more than any other component. The name comes from Japan's Aska Era (538 to 710 AD), an age of cultural refinement, and the badge is earned: Dynavector's tonearms and 10X series cartridges have collected CES Design and Engineering Awards, and the Aska inherits that engineering lineage at the start of the range rather than a cut-down version of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/dynavector-aska-inline-tominari.jpg?v=1784758299\" alt=\"Dr. Noboru Tominari, founder of Dynavector, portrait from 2000\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:420px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSpecial Annealing Magnetic Circuit\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of any moving coil cartridge is its magnetic circuit, and the Aska's is pure iron refined through a controlled annealing process, with temperature, environment, and heating and cooling rates all precisely managed. Introduced by Dynavector in 2024, this process refines the magnetic properties of the circuit for expansive, low-distortion sound and finer resolution. In analog playback the most minute deviation is audible, which is why the circuit gets this level of attention on the entry model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/dynavector-aska-inline-assembly.jpg?v=1784757765\" alt=\"Dynavector Aska cartridge hand assembly in a Japanese workshop, component held in a small vise\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSoftened Magnetism and Flux Damping\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeodymium magnets deliver the strong field a high output MC needs, but rare earth magnets can push a hard, irritating edge into the sound. Dynavector's patented softened magnet technology, paired with flux damping, was developed to remove exactly that distortion while keeping the clean separation and drive the magnets provide. It is the same core thinking that runs through the DV-20X2 and the cartridges above it, applied here at the start of the line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAska-H or Aska-L: Choosing Your Output\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aska-H produces 2.8mV, enough to drive a standard MM phono input in the 47k ohm position, with a recommended load of 1,000 ohms or higher. If your amplifier or phono stage has no dedicated MC setting, this is the version to buy, and it keeps the sonic character of a moving coil with the ease of a moving magnet. The Aska-L produces 0.3mV and is built for systems with a step-up transformer, head amplifier, or MC phono stage, and it holds nothing back of what moving coil playback does best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/dynavector-aska-inline-turntable.jpg?v=1784757761\" alt=\"Dynavector Aska high output cartridge mounted on a silver headshell playing a vinyl record\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAn Elliptical Stylus Built for Real-World Setups\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elliptical stylus is a deliberate choice for a first MC. Its elongated contact surface reads high-frequency groove modulation that a spherical tip rounds off, and unlike the more demanding line-contact profiles further up the Dynavector range, it holds consistent performance across a wide range of alignment setups. Fit it well and it rewards you; fit it slightly imperfectly and it forgives you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eInstallation Without the Fiddly Part\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCartridge installation usually means holding a screw and a nut in two places you cannot see. The Aska's body has M2.5 threads machined straight into it, so the screws tighten directly through your headshell or tonearm. At 5.8g with a tracking force of 1.8 to 2.2g, it suits a wide range of modern tonearms, and Dynavector names popular tables like the Rega Planar 3 and Technics SL-1200 as natural partners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/dynavector-aska-inline-dimensions.jpg?v=1784757940\" alt=\"Dynavector Aska cartridge dimensional line drawing with mounting measurements\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cstyle\u003e.tlr-cmp{margin:10px 0 16px;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-sub{color:#555;font-size:16px;margin:0 0 14px;line-height:1.5;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-row{border:1px solid #eee;border-radius:8px;padding:13px 14px;margin:8px 0;cursor:pointer;transition:border-color .2s ease;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover{border-color:#d9c6b3;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur{background:#f7f1ec;border:1px solid #ecdcca;border-left:3px solid #a3704d;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-cur:hover{border-left-color:#a3704d;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-name{font-weight:700;color:#2a2b2a;font-size:16px;line-height:1.35;text-transform:none;}.tlr-cmp a{color:#2a2b2a !important;text-decoration:none !important;opacity:1 !important;border-bottom:none !important;padding-bottom:2px;background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#cbb9a6,#cbb9a6);background-position:left 100%,left 100%;background-size:0% 2px,100% 1px;background-repeat:no-repeat;transition:background-size .35s ease;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-row:hover .cmp-name a,.tlr-cmp a:hover{background-size:100% 2px,100% 1px !important;opacity:1 !important;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-youre{font-size:10px;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9a8e74;font-weight:700;margin-left:7px;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-price{color:#a3704d;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;margin:2px 0 3px;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-diff{color:#555;font-size:16px;line-height:1.5;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict{margin:16px 0 4px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.5;color:#555;}.tlr-cmp .cmp-verdict a{color:#a3704d !important;font-weight:700;background-image:linear-gradient(#a3704d,#a3704d),linear-gradient(#d8c3ac,#d8c3ac);}.tlr-spec{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;}.tlr-spec th,.tlr-spec td{padding:12px;text-align:left;}.tlr-spec th{background:#f3f3f3;}.tlr-spec th:first-child,.tlr-spec td:first-child{width:34%;}.tlr-spec th:last-child,.tlr-spec td:last-child{width:66%;}\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tlr-cmp\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhere the Aska fits in the Dynavector cartridge range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-sub\"\u003eDynavector's moving coil cartridges, and what each step up changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row cmp-cur\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003eDynavector Aska \u003cspan class=\"cmp-youre\"\u003eYou're viewing\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$500\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eElliptical stylus on a hardened aluminum cantilever, annealed magnetic circuit, high or low output. The starting point of the range.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-dv-10x5-mk2-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector DV-10X5 Mk2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$800\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eSteps up to a nude Shibata III line-contact stylus for deeper groove tracing and lower record wear.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-dv-10x5a-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eDynavector DV-10X5A\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$950\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eKeeps the Shibata III stylus and adds the refined annealed magnetic circuit of the newer A generation.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-dv-20x2-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector DV-20X2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$1,250\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eMoves to a micro-ridge nude diamond stylus that sits deeper in the groove wall, with a solid aluminum body.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-name\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-dv-20x2a-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eDynavector DV-20X2A\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-price\"\u003e$1,450\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cmp-diff\"\u003eRefines the 20X2's micro-ridge stylus with the annealed magnetic circuit for measurably lower distortion.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cmp-verdict\"\u003eThe Aska is the right first moving coil, and the DV-10X5 Mk2's line-contact stylus is the honest next step. Above these sit Dynavector's reference cartridges, where the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-xx-2a-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eXX-2A\u003c\/a\u003e moves to a solid boron cantilever and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-karat-17dx-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eKarat 17DX\u003c\/a\u003e to a solid diamond one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eDynavector Aska Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"tlr-spec\"\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh\/Low output moving coil cartridge with flux damper and softened magnetism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAska-H: 2.8mV \/ Aska-L: 0.3mV (at 1kHz, 5cm\/sec)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25dB (at 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0dB (at 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20Hz - 20kHz (±2dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 mm\/N\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.8 - 2.2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAska-H: 150 ohms \/ Aska-L: 5 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Load Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAska-H: \u0026gt;1,000 ohms \/ Aska-L: \u0026gt;30 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6mm hardened aluminum pipe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus Tip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElliptical\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.8g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Dynavector","offers":[{"title":"Low Output (0.3mV)","offer_id":42985171976288,"sku":"DYNAASKAL","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"High Output (2.8mV)","offer_id":42985172074592,"sku":"DYNAASKAH","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/dynavector-aska-low-output-three-quarter.jpg?v=1784757739","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/dynavector-aska-moving-coil-phono-cartridge","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}