Dynavector DV10X5 MKII H/L MC Cartridge

Available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, the Dynavector DV10X5 MKII is a high-output moving coil (HOMC) cartridge with a lineage stretching back to 1978 — winner of the Design and Engineering Award at the Chicago CES in both 1978 and 1981, and now in its MKII form a genuine benchmark for the category. At 2.8mV output, it drives any standard MM phono stage without requiring a step-up transformer or MC-specific preamplifier, bringing moving coil performance to a far wider range of hi-fi systems. Stereophile described the 10X5 as "ridiculously good for the money," while Hi-Fi+ called it "something rather special." Origin Live describes it simply as "the only game in town."

High Output MC — Moving Coil Performance on an MM Input

The defining practical advantage of the DV10X5 MKII is its 2.8mV output — high enough to drive a standard MM phono stage at 47kΩ, bypassing the cost and complexity of a dedicated MC stage or step-up transformer. This is genuine moving coil performance, not a compromise: the MKII uses the same Magnetic Flux Damping and patented Softened Magnetism technologies found throughout the Dynavector range, along with powerful neodymium magnets, to achieve the smooth, extended treble response Dynavector is renowned for. Dynavector's legendary fine-wire coil winding technology has been refined in the MKII — minutely increasing the number of coil windings while reducing impedance to 150Ω, retaining the full 2.8mV output.

Nude Shibata III Line Contact Stylus

The MKII's key upgrade over its predecessor is the nude diamond "Shibata III" line contact stylus on a hardened aluminium cantilever. "Nude" means the diamond is mounted directly to the cantilever without an intermediate shank — minimising effective tip mass for superior transient response. The Shibata III line contact profile makes a narrow, precise contact with the groove wall, tracing high-frequency content with greater accuracy than an elliptical stylus, while spreading the stylus load across a larger contact area to reduce groove wear. The hardened cantilever material is stiffer and more resistant to deformation than standard aluminium, improving signal transmission integrity across challenging groove modulations.

Key Features

• High Output Moving Coil (HOMC) — 2.8mV output, compatible with standard MM phono stages at 47kΩ
• No step-up transformer or MC phono stage required
• Magnetic Flux Damping (patented) — controls resonance for smooth treble extension
• Softened Magnetism (patented) — reduces coloration and improves linearity
• Powerful neodymium magnets — high sensitivity and dynamic range
• Nude Diamond "Shibata III" line contact stylus — superior groove tracing and reduced record wear
• Hardened aluminium cantilever — improved stiffness and signal integrity
• Dynavector fine-wire coil winding — increased windings, reduced impedance (150Ω), retained output
• Rigid red aluminium head block — stable cartridge platform, easy tonearm mounting
• CES Design and Engineering Award — 1978 and 1981
• Available in High Output (H) and Low Output (L) versions

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dynavector DV10X5 MKII need a special MC phono stage?

No — this is the key practical advantage of the DV10X5 MKII. Its 2.8mV high output is compatible with any standard MM phono stage at the conventional 47kΩ loading. No step-up transformer or dedicated MC phono stage is required. If you have an MM input on your amplifier or phono stage, the DV10X5 MKII will work directly.

What is the difference between the High Output (H) and Low Output (L) versions?

The High Output version outputs 2.8mV — compatible with MM phono stages, no MC stage required. The Low Output version outputs approximately 0.5mV — requiring a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer, but offering a lower effective tip mass due to fewer coil windings, which some listeners find delivers improved transient resolution and airiness. Both versions use the identical body, cantilever, and Shibata III stylus.

What tonearm is the Dynavector DV10X5 MKII compatible with?

The DV10X5 MKII has a compliance of 12mm/N and weighs 7.5g, making it suited to low-to-medium mass tonearms (effective mass of approximately 8–15g). It is a standard ½" mount cartridge compatible with virtually all tonearms. Stereophile noted it is a physically perfect match for the Naim Aro, and reviewers have had success on Linn Ittok, Rega RB series, and Audio Origami arms.

What tracking force should I use for the Dynavector DV10X5 MKII?

The recommended tracking force range is 1.8–2.2g. Reviewers and users consistently report the best results toward the upper end of this range — 2.0–2.2g. At lower forces, tracking ability on heavily modulated grooves can suffer; at higher forces, the sound can become coarse. A stylus force gauge is recommended for precise setup.

Where can I buy the Dynavector DV10X5 MKII in Toronto, Canada?

The Dynavector DV10X5 MKII is available in both High Output (H) and Low Output (L) versions at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Contact us for current pricing and tonearm compatibility advice.