Dynavector Aska High MC cartridge

For nearly 50 years, Dynavector has devoted itself to designing and manufacturing world-renowned MC cartridges, always with the same determination to push back the limits of analogue playback.

To make the "Dynavector sound" more accessible, the Japanese manufacturer is launching a new, more affordable MC cartridge that gives up none of its legendary musicality. Like the DV 10X5 MKII, the Aska comes in a low output version and, as here, in a high output version.

Dynavector Aska High: stylus

The Dynavector Aska High is fitted with an elliptical diamond with an elongated contact surface, which tracks the finest groove modulations with precision, especially in the high frequencies. It is paired with a 6 mm hardened aluminium cantilever.

Dynavector Aska High: technology

At the heart of every MC cartridge lies its magnetic circuit. The quality of that circuit has a direct impact on the sound. Dynavector uses pure iron for its stable magnetic properties and low distortion. By precisely managing factors such as temperature, environment and heating / cooling rates, this process refines the magnetic properties of the circuit to deliver distortion-free playback with exceptional resolution.

The Aska High uses a patented softened-magnet technology, in order to reduce the distortion and noise caused by rare-earth magnets.

The high output level is made possible here by powerful neodymium magnets. Added to this is a winding technology unique to Dynavector, which allows high output MC cartridges to be built. By overwinding an ultra-fine wire several times around the coil, the cartridge maintains an optimal output level of 2.8 mV.

Its high internal impedance (150 ohms) calls for a resistive load above 1,000 ohms. This of course makes it compatible with the 47 kOhms of a standard phono input.

Every Dynavector Aska cartridge is hand-assembled, individually inspected and adjusted to the same uncompromising standards as the rest of the Dynavector range.

Dynavector Aska High: installation

Contrary to what can be read in parts of the specialist press, I do not think this cartridge can really be paired with standard MM phono inputs. The MM phono preamplifiers built into integrated amplifiers offer an average gain of 38 dB, often 36 dB and, more rarely, 40 dB. A cartridge with a 2.8 mV output should in theory be amplified with 45 dB, which generally corresponds to the specification of a phono preamplifier designed for a low output MC cartridge.

We also recommend a turntable with a tonearm whose effective mass is above 9 g.

Otherwise, fitting the Aska High is fairly simple thanks to the screws and the M2.5 threaded inserts built directly into the body. Its shape does not necessarily make alignment easy, but it can be done because the stylus is clearly visible.

Dynavector Aska: sound

From the very first bars, you discover a cartridge with a very natural sound.

This is partly due to a particularly natural and lively midrange and to very realistic timbres. The top end is detailed and precise, without any surgical effect and with very low distortion.

The bass is quite spectacular in its speed and legibility. Double basses are reproduced with punch and precision. That same dynamic quality is found across the whole spectrum. Transients are fast and are also fairly characteristic of moving coil cartridges. The soundstage is likewise open and precise, far more realistic and nuanced than that of a competing MM cartridge.

This Dynavector Aska High cartridge offers an excellent price / music ratio. Recommended.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Dynavector Aska High

Which phono preamplifier should be used with the Dynavector Aska High?

With a 2.8 mV output level, it theoretically calls for 45 dB of amplification. The MM phono inputs built into integrated amplifiers usually top out between 36 and 40 dB, so a phono preamplifier with adjustable gain is a better match. Its 150 ohm internal impedance also calls for a resistive load above 1,000 ohms, which makes it compatible with the 47 kOhms of a standard phono input. Our cartridge selection guides explain these gain and loading values.

Which tonearm can this cartridge be fitted to?

We recommend a tonearm with an effective mass above 9 g. The cartridge weighs 5.8 g and is set with a tracking force between 1.8 and 2.2 g. If your tonearm accepts a removable headshell, the cartridge can be mounted off the turntable, which makes the job easier.

Is the Aska High difficult to install?

It stays fairly simple: the screws and M2.5 threaded inserts are built directly into the cartridge body, so there are no nuts to handle. Its shape does not necessarily make alignment easy, but the stylus is visible enough to manage, especially with the right setup tools.

What kind of sound does the Dynavector Aska High deliver?

From the very first bars the reproduction is very natural: a lively midrange, realistic timbres, a detailed and precise top end with no surgical effect, and very low distortion. The bass is spectacular in speed and legibility, transients are fast, and the soundstage is open and far more nuanced than that of a competing MM cartridge. To place this type of cartridge within the wider range, see our introduction to phono cartridges.