Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Solid aluminum alloy body provides the perfect foundation for the cartridge motor and ensures optimal resonance control
  • MicroRidge stylus profile ensures intimate contact with record grooves, revealing layers of musical information
  • Sounds open, transparent and dimensional, with a balanced tone without imparting much of its own character

Product Considerations

  • Dynavector's stylus 'guard' is not good and is more likely to damage rather than protect the cartridge
  • Requires careful setup for optimal performance

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Ortofon 2M Blue and Grado Gold1, the DV-20X2 offered more detail, extension, dynamics and imaging
  • Compared to the Benz Micro Glider SL, the DV-20X2 produced a more detailed and deeper low end, and it also sounded more dynamic

Takeaway: The DV-20X2 is a reliable cartridge that communicates music flawlessly. It has a balanced, transparent, and dimensional sound, and strikes a high performance to cost ratio.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

DV 20X2

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Type: High/Low output moving coil cartridge with flux damper and softened magnetism
  • Output Voltage: 2.8 mV / 0.3 mV (at 1KHz, 5cm/sec.)
  • Channel Separation: 25 dB (at 1KHz)
  • Channel Balance: 1.0 dB (at 1KHz)
  • Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz(±2dB)
  • Compliance: 12 mm/N
  • Tracking Force: 1.8 - 2.2 g
  • Impedance: 150 ohms / 5 ohms
  • Recommended Load Impedance: 1,000 ohms / > 30 ohms
  • Cantilever: 6mm length hard aluminium pipe
  • Stylus Tip: Micro Ridge Nude diamond
  • Weight: 9.2 g
For more than 35 years Dynavector have established an enviable reputation for producing affordable high quality moving coil cartridges. Notably high output models that are designed to work with MM inputs negating the necessity for equipment change or the use of setup devices required for low output cartridges.
For more than 35 years Dynavector have established an enviable reputation for producing affordable high quality moving coil cartridges. Notably high output models that are designed to work with MM inputs negating the necessity for equipment change or the use of setup devices required for low output cartridges. The outstanding performance of the Dynavector high output moving coil cartridges can be attributed to the exclusively Dynavector designed coil winding machine capable of utilizing extremely fine coil wire providing a high output to mass ratio.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Dynavector cartridges, especially the DRT series, incorporate a unique Alnico magnet design featuring multiple magnets and a magnetic flux damper system, contributing to stable magnetic flux and reduced distortion.
  • The brand's Karat series are known for their short, solid gemstone cantilevers (historically ruby or diamond), a distinct design choice aimed at increased rigidity and reduced resonance.
  • Dynavector offers specific high-output moving coil cartridges, like the 10X5 models, engineered to be compatible with moving magnet phono stages, simplifying system matching for some users.
  • Their cartridges benefit from the company's proprietary "softened magnetism" technology, which employs highly permeable materials to minimize magnetic flux fluctuations, yielding an improved signal-to-noise ratio and transient response.

10X5 MkII LOW

  • Position: An entry-level low output moving coil cartridge known for its long-standing popularity.
  • Description: Features a robust design with an aluminum cantilever and magnetic flux damper that delivers smooth treble response. Compared to the more advanced flagship models like the XV-1T or premium offerings such as the KARAT 17DX, its simpler structure and 0.5 mV output make it ideal for small rooms and budget-minded setups without demanding extra functionalities.

XX-2 MkII

  • Position: A mid-range low output cartridge that emphasizes improved flux damping and stable alnico magnet performance.
  • Description: Combines a solid boron cantilever with PCOCC copper coil technology to yield deeper bass and clearer treble than entry-level models. When compared to the 10X5 MkII LOW, its advanced design offers noticeable sonic improvement, yet it remains less sophisticated than the flagship XV-1T and the diamond-enhanced KARAT 17DX.

TE KAITORA RUA

  • Position: A mid to high-range cartridge engineered with advanced materials and an optimized magnetic circuit.
  • Description: Uses a titanium head, PCOCC copper coil, and a 6mm boron cantilever to achieve smoother tracking and enhanced musical openness. In contrast to the simpler 10X5 MkII LOW and the mature sound of the XX-2 MkII, its refined magnetic circuit and upgraded coil wire offer improved detail and clarity.

KARAT 17DX

  • Position: A premium low output cartridge featuring a diamond cantilever aimed at high-end audio systems.
  • Description: Features innovative elements such as a solid diamond cantilever and Samarium-cobalt magnets to deliver clear articulation and an extended frequency response. Compared to the mid-tier TE KAITORA RUA and XX-2 MkII, its advanced build and magnetic properties justify a higher cost.

DRTXV-1T

  • Position: The flagship moving coil cartridge designed for ultimate performance in high-end audio systems.
  • Description: Features multi-Alnico magnets, a unique square-shaped armature, and Flux Damping technology that together provide an exceptionally balanced and dynamic musical experience. Unlike more affordable models such as the 10X5 MkII LOW or mid-range options like the TE KAITORA RUA and XX-2 MkII, its advanced engineering and refined technology cater to buyers with higher budgets and the need for top-tier functionality in demanding environments.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
50
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
113
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
1974

Our take on the brand

Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Luxman
LMC-5
2695
2695
/
6
Reviews

LUXMAN’s latest phono cartridge is the LMC-5. After 40 years’ experience, our aim was to design it to have sensitivity to all the musical information pressed on a record. The MC type power generation engine features a cross-mounted iron core with a compact magnetic system to improve efficiency. For the vibration detection system, we selected a combination of an aluminum cantilever and a SHIBATA stylus, which boasts excellent tracing ability. In addition, the unique housing structure was achieved by repeated prototyping and fine tuning. We have developed this cartridge with confidence for all those who love vinyl and value its musicality.

Luxman is distinguished by its proprietary LECUA volume control technology and unique negative feedback system, both designed to maintain exceptional sound quality at low volumes while reducing distortion. The brand's integrated amplifiers feature precision resistors, advanced phono preamps, and rare tone controls that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience, all housed in durable, classic-styled components.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • The LMC-5 creates a clearer window onto the music, offering more clarity, tighter focus, and better soundstage
  • Fantastic bass quality
  • Well-conceived and constructed with excellent build quality
  • The midrange is sonorous, making strings sing
  • Easy to mount and align due to its body shape and threaded holes

Product Considerations

  • A somewhat polite top end might not be ideal for those who prefer a brighter sound with more sizzle
  • Proper VTA/SRA is critical to achieving ideal balance
  • The pins may be smaller than the crimps on some tonearm cables, requiring adjustment
  • Vocals can be a little lean, depending on the system

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus Goldring Eroica HX, the LMC-5 creates a clearer window onto the music and has better soundstage
  • Versus Denon DL-103 and Ortofon SPU series, the LMC-5 renders people, instruments, and the recording venue in three dimensions, has precise attack, and ultimate refinement

Takeaway: The Luxman LMC-5 is a well-built, beautiful cartridge that offers clarity, detail, and a romantic sweep to the sound, making it worth buying. It is a great cartridge to add to one's system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Luxman is distinguished by its proprietary LECUA volume control technology and unique negative feedback system, both designed to maintain exceptional sound quality at low volumes while reducing distortion. The brand's integrated amplifiers feature precision resistors, advanced phono preamps, and rare tone controls that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience, all housed in durable, classic-styled components.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Linn
Kendo
3715
3715
/
2
Reviews

Kendo is a modern martial art form; translated from the Japanese it means "way of the sword". At Linn however, the word has unique connotations. Our sword is forged of boron, with a super-fine-line diamond tip. Our armour is nickel-coated, 7075-grade aluminium.

Kendo is the eager apprentice to its master, Ekstatik; sharing the same values, and picking up many of its traits along the way. Kendo is the outcome of our engineers' efforts to capitalise on the elements of Ekstatik which work so well; using our tried-and-true, trickle-down development methodology to produce a more affordable, high-performance cartridge which retains the same core design principles and acoustic fingerprint.

Kendo possesses a rigid, nickel-coated 7075-grade aluminium body. This specific grade of aluminium matches that of our Arko tonearm, for which Kendo was designed to be the perfect partner. This facilitates superb material synergy throughout the tonearm system, and effectively banishes unwanted resonances away from the delicate generator, along the arm, and out through the sub-chassis.

Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Key to the enduring appeal of the LP12 is the indefinable rhythmic joy to the way it makes music
  • The Linn Selekt LP12 retains an extraordinary ability to draw you into the performance with a simple rhythmic rightness
  • The Selekt offers a level of performance that is an order of magnitude higher than LP12s of old
  • Fine details that are so easily lost from the grooves of a record are worked effortlessly into the performance
  • The LP12 is utterly painless to live with

Product Considerations

  • The Kendo cartridge isn't a very forgiving performer and can sound a little hard and forward with less pristine pressings
  • The Arko arm has a rather stiff example—that needs a little force—to move it out of its rest

Takeaway: The Linn Selekt LP12 is an insightful and enjoyable turntable that delivers an absolutely competitive performance with anything else at its price point. It is a formidable turntable that delivers the emotional content of the music above all else

Video review

Our take on the brand

Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
EMT Tontechnik
JSD Pure
4495
4495
/
1
Reviews

Reference stereo cartridge with sandwich-body The most modern EMT generator of the Reference-products features a multi-facet diamond on sapphire cantilever. Our unique assembling technology makes it possible to tune the individual sound properties of this high-resolution transducer unit to maximum musicality. The body of the JSD Pure is fitted with a high-density layer that reduces unwanted resonance behaviour between cartridge body and tonearm.

EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Direct connection with music's dynamism and energy
  • Stellar cartridge that gets under the skin of music with outstanding coherence and energy—encompassing, beguiling warmth of vinyl replay
  • Honest sound, extracting so much information from the groove, the sound is uncanny
  • Superb tracking and an ability to listen through pops and crackle well
  • Excellent sight-lining for horizontal alignment within the headshell

Product Considerations

  • Nude stylus with no stylus guard requires careful installation
  • More about musical drive than about air and spaciousness

Takeaway: The EMT JSD Pure Black is a cartridge that provides a direct and energetic connection to the music and brings out the warmth of vinyl. It is honest and extracts a lot of information to make records sound great.

Video review

Our take on the brand

EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Dynavector
XX-2 MkII
1762
/
Released
The DV XX-1 moving coil cartridge was the first cartridge to feature a "magnetic flux damper" (patent) and softened magnetism" (patent) processes that reject the magnetic fluctuation that is detrimental to a moving coil cartridges performance. The The DV XX-2 MkII phono cartridge retains the benefit of the flux damper but features the Alnico-5 magnet and the similar rigid construction to the Te Kaitora Rua moving coil cartridge.
Check Amazon
Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional stability and remarkably low magnetic resistance due to the magnetic flux damper technology and Alnico-5 magnet system
  • Precise and unwavering tracking, even during demanding musical passages, because of its rigid construction and solid boron cantilever
  • Extracts fine details from vinyl grooves while maintaining a natural, organic presentation, capturing every nuance with stunning accuracy
  • Precise imaging, deep, controlled bass, and silky, extended highs because of the 0.14 x 0.08mm Line contact PF stylus
  • Presents music naturally and in an unforced manner

Product Considerations

  • Requires a premium investment
  • Needs a high-quality phono stage to perform optimally
  • Careful setup is recommended to achieve the best results
  • One review noted a 'thuddy' quality to the sound, but this may be due to setup issues or cartridge-tonearm mismatch
  • Rich sounding electronics can cause excess warmth due to the bass, according to one review

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The XX-2 MKII is more even-handed and produced great slabs of bass, compared to the Lyra Helikon
  • The XX-2 MKII has a darker tonal balance and funky bass lines, compared to the Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua

Takeaway: The Dynavector XX-2 MKII is a high-end cartridge that retrieves a lot of detail from vinyl while remaining natural sounding, making it a standout choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts. It is an excellent choice for people looking for a solid upgrade to their analog setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dynavector
XX-2A
2250
/
Released
2024
Established in 1978, Dynavector has been at the forefront of high-end audio manufacturing, introducing a multitude of high-performance cartridges to the market. In 2024, we achieved a significant breakthrough by enhancing the physical properties of our magnetic circuits, resulting in unparalleled sound quality.
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Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Detailed, dynamic, and engaging
  • Vocals are natural, uncolored, and unrestrained with great emotion and range
  • Pacy, tuneful, and nimble, capturing the rhythmic ebb and flow of music
  • Conveys the energy of bass guitar lines while keeping drums and percussion clean and tight
  • Delivers power and impact when the music demands it, without harshness or glare

Product Considerations

  • Recommended load impedance of more than 30 Ohms, with 100 Ohms suggested, but experimentation is advised for optimal performance
  • Recommended tracking force is between 1.8 and 2.2g, with a preference for 1.8g for a more open sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Dynavector XX-2A is better than Linn Krystal for classic rock, with more bass, crunch, and warmth

Takeaway: The Dynavector XX-2A is a great cartridge for listening to all kinds of music, delivering a detailed and engaging sound that makes you want to tap your foot along. It provides great insight into what the musicians are playing and how they are playing it.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Dynavector
DV 20X2A-H/L
1450
/
Released
The 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.
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Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Two output types are available (High and Low) to choose from according to your system
  • High-output model suitable for most MM inputs, which allows easy experience without needing a step-up transformer
  • It uses the same base structure as higher-end models XX-2A and Te Kaitora Rua
  • Solid aluminum alloy body, hard aluminum cantilever, and a Micro-Ridge stylus tip
  • Dynavector has an enviable reputation for producing affordable high-quality moving-coil cartridges

Product Considerations

  • Turntables and phono cartridges are non-returnable unless defective, and then for exchange only
  • In the case of phono cartridges, your cartridge must be returned and deemed defective by the manufacturer before it will be exchanged

Takeaway: The Dynavector DV-20X2A is a well-regarded moving coil cartridge available in high and low output versions to suit different systems. Its quality construction and reputation make it a good choice for those wanting to experience MC cartridge sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Hana
Umami Blue
2500
/
Released
2023
The HANA-Umami Blue high-end moving coil cartridge combines the vision of Master cartridge designer Okada-san with the history of unique materials, classic Japanese techniques, and modern audio engineering.
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Hana is a hifi brand known for its hand-assembled turntable cartridges that undergo cryogenic treatment of internal parts, a unique process that alters the metal's molecular structure to improve sound quality. Their cartridges, particularly the Umami series with its Alnico magnets and the more affordable EL model, deliver exceptional sound quality through precise craftsmanship and specialized features like MicroLine styli that extract more detail from vinyl grooves.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Provides a balance of analog qualities with high resolution and detail retrieval
  • Clear and devoid of specific character, with a silky and extended tonal balance
  • Impressive dynamics without sounding bloated or overly punchy
  • Excellent tracking ability and low noise floor, revealing details and nuances in recordings
  • Delivers an involving and intimate musical reproduction, described as 'brilliant and gorgeous'

Product Considerations

  • Clean vinyl records are essential as the Microline stylus brings out noise
  • May not satisfy listeners seeking a cartridge with a strong signature in bass, mids, or highs

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Hana ML: The Umami Blue paints with distinct and detailed lines, while the ML is more 'analog' and focuses on the ensemble sound, with better bass definition than the ML
  • Vs. DS Audio 003: The Umami Blue offers a huge amount of transparency, while feeling more analog-like
  • Vs. Hana Umami Red: The Umami Blue has the same subtlety and grace, detail and precision, and outstanding imagery as the Red, but the Red has more dynamism and rhythmic drive, as well as extra air in the top-end

Takeaway: The Hana Umami Blue cartridge provides a balanced and detailed listening experience, extracting the essence of recordings without imposing its own colorations, making it a good option. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a high-performance cartridge that offers a window into the music's original character.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Hana is a hifi brand known for its hand-assembled turntable cartridges that undergo cryogenic treatment of internal parts, a unique process that alters the metal's molecular structure to improve sound quality. Their cartridges, particularly the Umami series with its Alnico magnets and the more affordable EL model, deliver exceptional sound quality through precise craftsmanship and specialized features like MicroLine styli that extract more detail from vinyl grooves.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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VPI
Goldy MC
1300
/
Released
2023
Built in Japan by Audio-Technica, Voice by VPI: Goldy Dual Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge Plays with High Separation, Wide Responsiveness, Enticing Presence, and a Natural Midrange
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VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Rich and present sound in the lower-midrange fills out the performance beautifully
  • Thrilling and highly resolved musical entertainment in broad tonal and dynamic terms
  • Drive and excellent timing, yet feels solid, which is a nice combination
  • Easy to install due to threaded inserts and clear view of the cantilever and stylus

Product Considerations

  • Screws supplied with the Goldring cartridge may not be suitable for all tonearms due to thread length
  • The finish is pretty basic, being well done but just a basic black

Takeaway: The Goldring cartridge is a very engaging cartridge that extracts an infectious sound from vinyl, putting a smile on any music lover's face. It will give a live performance in the listening room.

Video review

Our take on the brand

VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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