Dynavector XV1-S and step-up

Lewm: I have been listening to my internal phono for 2yrs... just FYI, b/c it seems some are thinking I just got it. I've been listening extensively for some time, and it sounds pretty damn good. Just trying to optimize/explore further. The key question is matching to the Dynavector which may have not been the focus of the designer of the phono stage in the Masseto.

My head is spinning, but I hopefully have a few options to try and listen to at home in the near future, will keep you posted.

Hi Lewm,
y.s.:
>>I dislike comparative testing of SUTs that we see in published articles, where a guy interposes several different SUTs between the cartridge and preamp, without regard for any special measures that might optimize frequency response, etc<<

Very true and I couldn't agree more -- unless the author had really made sure about the impedance matching, and never mentioned it? Actually hard to believe.
I agree that THOSE tests therefore be rather misleading.
Greetings,

PS: Note, there is a TYPO in the other thread: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1248136396&openflup&1&4#1
Step 2: XXXX ... "31.6 * 31.6 * 47k ohm = 47 ohm"... XXXXX

it must read:!!!! "47k ohm / 31.6 * 31.6 = 47ohm" !!!!
Very sorry for that!

Hatari, I had begun to figure out that you have indeed been listening to the Shindo MC input. I did not understand that way back when this thread started. What are you hearing that suggests the MC phono input is not optimally matched to the Dynavector? That cartridge is typical of the whole class of LOMCs in terms of its internal impedance, output voltage, compliance, etc, so it is unlikely to present any special problems to a phono stage, other than its low output. You might also consider the tonearm in this equation. Matching of cartridge to tonearm is a critical factor.

Lewm,
I suggest that Shindo and EAR might be different - B U T it is a known that there are better trannies than used simply for cost, inside some EARs. This MIGHT just be true to some degree with Shindo?
It could be settled by trying another external SUT, and as I understand it, is the OP's intension.
Greetings,

I just did a little quick research on the Masseto. For $11,500 it ought to have a pretty good SUT inside. But I know it is on the low to middle end of the Shindo line of preamps, in terms of cost.