Dynavector ASKA Low Low-Level 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 high output version and, as here, in a low output version.

Dynavector Aska Low: stylus

The Dynavector Aska Low 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 Low: 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 Low uses a patented softened-magnet technology, in order to reduce the distortion and noise caused by rare-earth magnets. Those neodymium magnets, combined with a winding technology unique to Dynavector, make it possible to build MC cartridges with ultra-light coils delivering an optimal output level of 0.3 mV for 98% of MC (moving coil) phono preamplifiers.

Its very low internal impedance (5 ohms) calls for a resistive load above 30 ohms. This of course makes it compatible with loads between 50 and 200 ohms.

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 Low: installation

The Dynavector Aska Low offers a 0.3 mV output level and requires an MC phono preamplifier with a minimum gain of 63 dB and a resistive load between 80 and 150 ohms. These values are generally found on good phono preamplifiers.

We recommend pairing it with an excellent turntable fitted with a tonearm whose effective mass is above 9 g.

Otherwise, installation 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 Aska Low delivers a bass that 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.

The comparison with the Aska High version is telling: the Aska Low renders music with more finesse and more nuance. Micro-information and small dynamic shadings are reproduced far better. This is particularly obvious on classical music, where transients are much more realistic.

The value for money of this Dynavector Aska Low cartridge is remarkable! Our favourite!

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

What gain and loading does the Dynavector Aska Low require?

Its 0.3 mV output calls for an MC phono preamplifier with a minimum gain of 63 dB. On the loading side, its very low 5 ohm internal impedance requires a value above 30 ohms, with the ideal range between 80 and 150 ohms, and it remains compatible with loads between 50 and 200 ohms. Our cartridge selection guides go through these settings in detail.

Which tonearm suits this cartridge?

We recommend a tonearm with an effective mass above 9 g. The cartridge weighs 5.8 g, is set between 1.8 and 2.2 g of tracking force and has a compliance of 12 mm/N, figures that naturally point towards a medium to high mass arm.

Does fitting it require any special tools?

No: the screws and M2.5 threaded inserts are built into the cartridge body, so there are no nuts to juggle with. The shape of the body makes alignment slightly less obvious, but the stylus stays clearly visible, and standard setup tools are enough to achieve a clean alignment.

What kind of music does this cartridge excel with?

It shines wherever micro-information and small dynamic shadings matter: classical music is especially revealing, with very realistic transients. Its natural midrange, realistic timbres and open soundstage serve small ensembles just as well. To place this profile among the other cartridge families, see our introduction to phono cartridges and our technical background page.