Benz LP vs. Dynavector XV-1s

Further to this old Thread, today on May 21st 2007 there are a few Dynavector XV-1's and Benz LP for sale here on the Gon. I must decide in a couple of days. I currently have a Benz Ruby 2H. Help please!!!! Tonearm is SME V newly rewired. TT is Sota Cosmos IV and a highly modified ARC Ref Phono with 3 sets of inputs 48db, 58db thru Lundhals 9206 and 69db thru Jenzen's. Thanks, Sly

They both are very good cartridges. I personally own a XV-1s. IMO, if you system is already very full sounding, I would go for the XV-1s. Benz LP tends to be a bit on the thick side (I heard in my friend's sytem). So the Benz may be a better match with a leaner sounding system.

Audiolui

Nice to see you enjoying your XV-1x.

cheers

I used to have a Ruby3 on my Orbe SE/Mørch DP-6. I have since upgraded to Acutus/507MKII/XV-1s (and Shelter 90X as backup). It's of course difficult to compare these two cartridges since I have not had them on the same turntables, but I have had different cartridges on both turntables. And heard both cartridges on different tables (SME20/V/Steelhead and VPI SuperScoutmaster/Herron). So I will give it a try.

The Benz is warm sounding and doesn't have the tightest bass (the Lyro Argo is better in this regard). I have since had a Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua on the Avid as well. But I had to let it go, the XV-1s was so much better sounding. It's much tighter in the bass, more detailed and most important, never stressed. The best I have ever heard. It's both smooth and dynamic. And extremely detailed. More refined than the Benz, and more neutral, but still sounding smooth and definitely not analytical. (As I have found the Titan sounding some times. I have been told the new Titan "i" is fuller sounding).

That was not a direct answer to your question, but I don't think you can go wrong with the XV-1s. Good luck.

I did also had the Koetsu Urushi Black in direct comparision with the XV-1s. Just to let you know.