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
Why the assumption that there is a single correct VTF? It's been my recent experience that VTF does effect multiple aspects of sound quality. It's possible that given their respective systems and listening preferences that two perfectly competent people could arrive at different setup settings. I must admit that the difference is quite large in this particular case.
I have owned the XV-1 for 6 years now well before the so-called reviewers started glamourising the cartridge. I have tried it at the so-called HP 2.6 - 2.8 gms and in my system with my normal ears it just sounded different. HP is full of crap stating that it does not track correctly unless you track it at 2.6gm's. I also load my XV-1 at 47k thru my Pass Xono.

The cartridge tracks just fine and sounds just fine at 2 or 2.2gms. I think dynavector knows a bit more about cartridges, especially its own than HP. Fremer is correct, follow the manufacturers specs.

BTW, I think Raul got confirmation from dyna that you can safely use the XV-1 at 2.4gms without any potential increase in wear and tear on the cartridge.

cheers