MC cartridge ASKA-L review（Stereo 2026 July）
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We are pleased to present a review of the MC cartridge ASKA, published in Stereo, issue July 2026 by ONGAKU NO TOMO SHA CORP. This article is shared with permission from ONGAKU NO TOMO SHA CORP.
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Listening to Hot New Products － Stereo Listening Room
Dynavector has offered MC cartridges and tonearms based on original theory and design since 1978, including the long-running iconic DV10X series. ASKA, the new entry-level MC cartridge, lets listeners experience that proprietary technology at an accessible price point. It incorporates Dynavector's newest Special Annealing Treatment on the magnetic circuit, which suppresses distortion while delivering an expansive soundstage and range, while also incorporating "Softened Magnets" — powerful neodymium magnets treated to reduce the harshness and distortion that hard magnets typically introduce. It also has the "Flux Damper," a patented technology that stabilises magnetic flux fluctuation in the circuit for a more natural tonal colour.
Weight is 5.8g and standard tracking force is 2g, making it easy to set up. The ASKA is available in both a Low-output version for standard MC use and a High-output version for MM-setting use. This audition session was conducted with the Low-output version in a standard MC setting.
Reviewer Impressions
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Composed and Expansive Character
A Dynavector entry-level MC cartridge, with a specially annealed magnetic circuit that suppresses distortion, along with softened magnets to remove the harshness and coarseness typical of neodymium magnets. The cantilever is aluminium with an elliptical stylus tip. The sound is composed and expansive, with soft and soothing vocals. Orchestral melodies are dense and smooth, and the brass section conveys a firm, stable harmony. String instruments stand out with a sense of softness, and the richness of body resonance comes through clearly. Beyond the natural thickness and fullness of the vocals, the weight of the piano and cymbals is also felt, with a low centre of gravity and no sense of strain. Resonance in the bass region tends to be gentle, but the elasticity in the low-mid range carries a distinctive, grounded presence. (Takashi Iwai: 8pt)
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Presents Music Pleasantly, Easy to Listen
An MC cartridge that is descriptive, with an excellent tonal balance. The treble is gently controlled, allowing the midrange melodic band to emerge naturally. As a result, when vocals and lead instruments come forward, the overall balance stays intact, producing a pleasant, easy-listening experience. This was especially enjoyable on rock music, where vocals were rendered smoothly, and tom/snare hits and the lead guitar were reproduced with rich presence while retaining warmth. Overall, this isn't a cartridge that grabs the listener with a strikingly distinct character, but one that offers broad genre versatility and easy compatibility with a wide range of components. (Saburo Ubukata: 8pt)
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Deep Natural Sound in the Low-Mids
The company's ability to offer both high-output and low-output MC cartridges is a distinctive piece of engineering. The low-output MC is used with a standard MC phono stage, while the high-output model is tailored for use at an MM setting. The cartridge uses the company's proprietary special annealing magnetic circuit and has an easy-to-use elliptical stylus tip. The advantage of playing an MC cartridge on an MM-compatible phono stage is generally a higher S/N ratio than with a typical MC phono stage. Meanwhile, in the MC position, users can enjoy experimenting with gain and load resistance to tune the sound to their preference. The fundamental character of this cartridge is high-resolution, spatially well-defined sound with depth in the low-mids — a natural sound with a somewhat pyramid-shaped tonal balance. Subtle, quiet passages are rendered with delicacy and softness, rich in overtones. (Ikuo Tsunoda: 8pt)
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Excellent Tonal Balance, Dense Sound
Though positioned as Dynavector's entry-level MC cartridge, listening reveals it inherits the design philosophy of the company's higher-end models, showing excellent tonal balance and a dense, rich sound. In orchestral passages, each note of the low strings and percussion has a firm core, and the synergy with the dense tone of the wind section draws out a rich overall sound. One other strong point is that it avoids unnatural harshness or excessive sharpness in high string notes, blending them smoothly with other instruments. Rather than a crisp, airy sound, it's better described as rich and full-bodied; the warm texture of the female vocals, and a voice that spreads slightly outward, lend a sense of calm, making it appealing to music lovers seeking a relaxing quality from their records. (Tadashi Yamanouchi: 8pt)
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About the Listening Method
For the "Listening to Hot New Products" column, four reviewers each audition the product across multiple genres simultaneously and score it on a 10-point scale:
- 6 = Standard product
- 7 = Above-standard product
- 8 = Excellent product
- 9 = Outstanding product
All evaluations take price into account, and also consider design, functionality, and usability.
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Reference Equipment List
- Turntable: Technics SL-1000R
- Phono Equalizer: Accuphase C-57
- Control Amp: Accuphase C-3900S
- Power Amps: Accuphase A-300, P-7500, A-80
- Speakers: Fostex RS-2 with NW-3, Fostex G2000a
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Copyright (C) ONGAKU NO TOMO SHA CORP. July 2026
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This page contains an English translation of the review article with the approval of ONGAKU NO TOMO SHA CORP. Reproduction or redistribution of the content without permission is prohibited.