Benz LP vs. Dynavector XV-1s

Dear Audiolui: +++++ " Dynavector is much more lifelike .. " +++++

This is the Jtinn opinion and I agree with him ( btw, extraordinary speakers you have. Awesome. Congratulations. ). The XV-1 perhaps is one of the three best cartridges ever made. No one can goes wrong with this Dynavector choice, it does not matters which are their musical priorities. This cartridge needs the right tonearm ( like any other cartridge ) and a phono stage at its same performance level.

Audiolui, if you like the Helikon sound reproduction, my advise is that go for the Titan. You will be very satisfied.

From the Helikon to the other cartridges named in this thread: I own or owned all of them. No, the Benz Micro ( very good cartridges ) ones don't meet the performance level of the XV-1. Now, the Titan is closer but the XV-1 has a better tonal balance and neutrality than the Titan.

All those cartridges named in the thread are really a top performers and the preferences for one of them dependes on many things: tonearm, TT, phonopreamp, musical taste, accuracy of our ears, our whole audio system, etc., if we have the right synergy between all this " things " any of those top cartridges can be our " cup of tea ". To say which is better is a subjective question and of course a very personal answer.

Unfortunatelly we can't find a dealer that can borrowed all those cartridges to do a test in our homes.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Jfrech: The Titan is an interesting cartridge. It is fast and dynamic with very good resolution. I would say the Dynavector is more natural with better body, texture and is more open. From memory they are similar in dynamics.

The Dynavector mates extremely well with the SME 20/2 and IV.Vi arm. I would slightly up the tracking force over the recommended amount.

Jtinn,
Have you tried or experienced the Dynavector XV-1s on a Graham 2.2? Thanks.

What a shock! A dealer posting his preference for something he sells over something he doesn't. I don't believe it!
:-)

I own a Lyra helikon, used to own a Benz Ruby2 low ouput and recently upgraded the Dynavector XV-1 to XV-1s.
I would whoheartly agree with Raul and Jtinn (even if he is a dealer :) that the XV-1 is significantly better than either the helikon or Ruby.
The ruby in my system seemed to be dark and rather grainy compared to either the helikon or XV-1. Some may say the ruby is a good choice for a brighter system, I would disagree with that. the XV-1 is a lot more natural and relaxed, so it seems to be easier to listen to than the benz regardless.
the helikon is very fast and neutral, however seems to lack the life and natural harmonics that the XV-1 has. I still have the helikon on my other armwand so would like to try the Titan on day.

The XV-1s compared to the XV-1 maintains its great naturalness but adds a little more transparancy and purity in the treble and maybe a little firmer in the bass.

I have not heard the benz Lp, however a friend of mine has the LP and VDH Frog and he seems to prefer the Frog's more vibrant view of music.