Home / Phono Cartridges / Dynavector 10XA-L Moving Coil Cartridge

About the Dynavector 10XA-L

For nearly half a century, Dynavector’s 10X series has been a byword for high-output moving coil cartridges – the original 10X astonished the audio world in 1978 by achieving genuinely high output from an MC design, going on to win the Design & Engineering Award at the Chicago CES that year and again in 1981. The 10XA carries that lineage into 2025 with the introduction of Dynavector’s Special Magnetic Annealing process, extending performance beyond what’s normally expected of an entry-level model. The 10XA-L is the low output version, built for a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer. For the high output version, which runs straight into a standard MM phono input with no extra equipment needed, see the 10XA-H.

Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit

The magnetic circuit at the core of any MC cartridge uses pure iron for its stable magnetic properties, but the process of shaping and machining that iron distorts its crystal structure at an atomic level, reducing magnetic permeability. Dynavector’s Special Annealing process – refining the temperature, environment, duration and heating/cooling rates used to heat-treat each part – restores that distorted structure, for an expansive, resonant sound without the loss of resolution a generic annealing process would leave behind.

Neodymium magnet with Softened Magnetism

A powerful neodymium magnet gives the 10XA its output, with Dynavector’s patented Softened Magnetism technology reducing the distortion and harsh, edgy sound that rare-earth magnets can otherwise introduce – for a clean, well-separated sound without sacrificing drive.

Shibata Type III stylus

A Shibata Type III stylus, chosen for its superior high-frequency response, rides on a lightweight, rigid aluminium cantilever, improving groove tracking and enabling higher-resolution playback.

Low output, for the true MC character

The 10XA-L drops output to 0.5mV, for excellent compatibility with a wide range of step-up transformers and head amplifiers, letting you fully experience the distinct qualities of MC playback.

  • Output: 0.5mV
  • Recommended load impedance: 100Ω or higher

Best for: owners of a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer who want the fuller, more distinct MC presentation.

Features

Cartridge design

Special Annealing Magnetic Circuit

Restores magnetic permeability lost during machining, for an expansive, distortion-free sound.

Neodymium magnet with Softened Magnetism

Reduces the harshness of a rare-earth magnet while keeping its output and drive.

Shibata Type III stylus with aluminium cantilever

A lightweight, rigid cantilever paired with a high-frequency-optimised stylus profile.

Output & connection

Low output coil winding

0.5mV output, for excellent compatibility with a wide range of step-up transformers and head amps.

Built for MC phono stages

Compatible with load impedances from 100Ω upward.

Specifications

BrandDynavector
TypeLow output MC, flux damper & softened magnetism
Output Voltage0.5mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec)
Channel Separation25dB (1kHz)
Channel Balance1.0dB (1kHz)
Frequency Response20Hz–20kHz (±2dB)
Compliance12mm/N
Tracking Force1.8–2.2g
Impedance32 ohms
Recommended Load Impedance>100 ohms
Cantilever6mm length hardened aluminium pipe
StylusNude diamond Shibata III line contact
Weight7.5g

In the box

  • 10XA-L cartridge
  • Mounting screws (M2.5)
  • Instruction manual
  • Warranty card