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Should I replace Denon DL-103R with Dynavector DRT-XV1 mounted

I have been using Denon DL-103R mounted on SME-IV arm for a quite some time. It is the only cartridge I have ever had. Now I have an opportunity to purchase Dynavector DRT-XV1 for a good price. Since I have never had a chance to listen to another cartridge I am not sure what to expect from another cart in term of sound quality. I wonder if replacing Denon with 10 times more expensive Dynavector would result to a noticeable sound difference assuming the rest of the system is capable to reproduce the sound Dynavector cart delivers? Or does the cartridge upgrade fall under the same category with cables and interconnects upgrades where some listeneres can hear the difference and some not?
esputnix
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,328 posts
 
Someday I will replace a Denon dl103R as well so interested to know some good options.

Linn Axis with Linn Basik tonearm, Electrocompaniet step up transformer (with home grown mu metal shielding for no noise), Audio Research sp16 phono stage.

Dead quiet and sounds great to my ears.
lewm
13,150 posts
 
esputnix, Tell us about the rest of your system, and you will get better advice.  The SME IV is a good start. A lot of audiophiles believe that a mediocre cartridge on a good tonearm and with good downstream equipment is a better way to go than a top end cartridge (like the Dynavector you are considering) on a mediocre to poor system. I am in that camp.
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
I have heard both. The drt xv1 is WAY better. What I am not so sure about is if the excellent SME IV is a particularly good match for either. Hmm...
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,718 posts
 
That Dynavector is a perfect match with that arm. Put the information in and do the math!
http://www.mh-audio.nl/Calculators/RF.html

lewm
13,150 posts
 
There is no doubt that the DV is superior to the Denon, in this choice scenario, but if the downstream equipment is lacking, then maybe it would be better to upgrade the system first, and THEN look for the DV or similar high end cartridge, in my opinion.
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