Dynavector XV-1s What is the REAL story?


I have read the performance parameters required for best sound in this cartridge, by the great HP,which I found interesting and perplexing.I then read,what seems to be a complete about face of HP's findings,by Mr Fremer,in Stereophile.Mr. Fremer does make a valid argument(we're talking tracking force)for correct alignment in the coils,and claims the mfgr's suggested force is the way to go.Makes sense,to me, NOT to stray from what the original designer has recommended!Yet,what do I know?It also seemed that MR Fremer was intentionally making the point,that HP was a bit clueless regarding downforce.

Well,now we have the "new audio pioneer"(I do like the guy,alot)Arthur Salvatore,on his "really fun to follow" web pages,stating that after much experience,with the XV-1s,he has concluded that MR Pearson was RIGHT,in recommending a downforce considerably higher than even the mfgr states.Obviously Mr Fremer would be incorrect.Even though his argument follows the line of ultimate reliability,as well as performance.All in a product costing about 4500 bucks--????

So,my argument is this---"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON"???

We have a very expensive product that has gotten a considerable amount of press,where the supposedly top reviewers in the industry cannot seem to agree on a parameter that will DEFINITELY affect both sonic performance,as well as long term reliability!

They claim that "Newbees" are in short supply,and the industry is shrinking.Hmm,I wonder why!

Do we ALL cancel our subscriptions,to these "once hobbyist oriented" journels?Do we rely on forums like this to garnish the "TRUTH",where there STILL are those who "jump" at the opportunity to tout their Favorite possessions,and put in a good word for their favorite designer/manufacturers?

Or do we start to rely on our own sense of perceptions,which(believe me)really begin to "sharpen up",after you have spent your hard earned cash!!

Any thoughts are always welcome!!
sirspeedy70680e509

I also sent a message to Mike at Dynavector to get his input. I’ll report back. 

I would run it as is till you get at least 100 hours on that cart before making any judgements on the sound, once set up and dialed in the DRT XV1s is anything but lean. Enjoy the music

I agree that 100 hours would be better. The first 20 hours were pretty painful, the next 30 hours things improved, but still poor mid base. I hope the next 50 hours transforms this area. I’ll bet I’ve spent 1 year of my “ audiophile life” waiting for stuff to break in completely. 👍

@labpro , the worst things in life are waiting on audio gear, especially tube based pieces and cartridge. I can normally judge right off the bat if I am going to like it but go though a love hate relationship until it settles in. The DRT XV1s is one of those very special pieces and you should be more than satisfied after it settling down. I am on my third one and you can buy them new for a very reasonable price. The extra VTF suggested early in this thread, I believe is related to the carts pairing with the VPI 12 inch arms FWIW. Enjoy the music.

Just to close the loop on this conversation.

I heard from Dynavector US, and the Auditorium T1 (not T2) is the best A23 SUT for the XV1s.

Thank you all who helped me on this issue.