DYNAVECTOR DV-ASKA-L

Low-output Moving Coil (MC) cartridge designed to reproduce the information contained in record grooves through an optimized vibration system and magnetic circuit. The model belongs to the second generation of the ASKA Series and draws on Dynavector’s experience in developing cartridges and technologies dedicated to analogue reproduction.

The magnetic circuit uses pure iron, selected for its high magnetic permeability and stable properties. The machining of metal components can alter the material’s crystal structure and reduce its permeability; for this reason, Dynavector applies a Special Annealing Process, a magnetic annealing process developed to restore the characteristics of pure iron. The temperature, treatment environment, and heating and cooling rates are controlled according to the properties of the material, with the aim of achieving a more homogeneous and stable magnetic circuit.

The ASKA-L also uses a neodymium magnet combined with Dynavector’s proprietary Softened Magnetism technology, developed to reduce distortion and harsh sonic components that can result from the use of high-intensity magnets. The magnetic circuit is designed to maintain high flux density and stability as the coil moves, contributing to the generation of the electrical signal.

The ASKA-L has an output voltage of 0.3 mV, allowing it to be paired with a wide range of MC phono preamplifiers, head amplifiers, and step-up transformers. The recommended load impedance is 100 Ω or higher, allowing the cartridge to be matched to different phono-stage configurations.

The pickup system uses an elliptical stylus with an elongated contact surface designed to accurately track high-frequency groove modulations. This profile provides a balance between tracking ability, stability, and ease of setup compared with more complex geometries, making it suitable for a wide range of cartridge alignment configurations.

The cartridge body incorporates M2.5 threaded mounting holes that simplify attachment to the tonearm headshell or directly to a compatible cartridge holder. The screws can be inserted from above and tightened without having to hold a nut in position at the same time, making installation and cartridge alignment easier.

Weighing 5.8 g, the ASKA-L is compatible with many modern tonearms and can be used on turntables equipped with suitable pickup systems, including configurations based on the Rega Planar 3 and Technics SL-1200.

Production, from component manufacturing through machining, heat treatment, plating, assembly, and final adjustment, takes place entirely in Japan. Each cartridge is hand-assembled and individually inspected, while Dynavector works with specialized suppliers and manufacturing partners to maintain quality control throughout the various stages of production.

Technical specifications:

• Type: high/low-output Moving Coil (MC) cartridge; Flux Damper; Softened Magnetism
• Output voltage: 2.8 mV / 0.3 mV (at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Channel separation: 25 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Channel balance: 1.0 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±2 dB)
• Compliance: 12 mm/N
• Tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g
• Impedance: 150 Ω / 5 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: >1,000 Ω / >30 Ω
• Cantilever: 6 mm hardened aluminium pipe
• Stylus tip: elliptical
• Weight: 5.8 g