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Time for new used cartridge

Just lost the tip on my Dynavector XV-1s and need to move on to purchasing another cart. I wish I could tell you what I liked about this cart but it is the only cart I've owned and bought it here on the Gon a couple yeas ago. My budget needs to be less than 5k and would love the first number to start with a 2. I know nothing about phono carts and hope for some sound advice. I have dealers I work with on certain product groups but prefer not buying new in this situation so I can't lean on those relationships

My music preferances are classic 70's rock, folk, female and male vocalist and some light jazz. Beatles, Dire Straites, Neil Young with some Lovett, Prine, Tom Russell added in there.

My front end consists of SME 20 and Graham Phantom running into the Aesthetix IO MKII.

I appreciate agility, speed, space and detail with a tilt towards warmth in the mids.

You consideration is appreciated!
sgs
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I concur with Mingles. The xv-1s is a very good cartridge. You can find different carts, but not necessarily better IMO. Peter did my XV-1s a few years back. I've been very pleased with the results.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
You can go for a 2.Hand Lyra Helikon. You save a lot of money and it is better in color, speed, timbre and soundstage.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I am just sending one off to Soundsmith, 12-14 week wait at present.
sgs OP
22 posts
 
All, Thank you for your responses so far...this is what I need from your knowledgebase. Can a cart be rebuilt even thought the cantilever is gone also? If this is the case then I still want to purchase a new/used cart and meanwhile I will get this one repaired. Then I won’t be in this situation again.

I now remember when I purchased this cart I was between the XV-1s and the Titian and figured I couldn't go wrong with either one, and as silly as this sounds, went with the XV-1s because it looked like newer technology and had a very predator like look to it. Hey when on the fence, goes with what moves you. It wasn’t failed me so far in life.

So with the above thoughts, maybe I should look at carts with a slightly different sound but of course still complementary to my tastes.

Appreciation of your thoughts is a given!
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
A friend of mine just had his XV1-S go down, and his dealer loaned him a Dyna XX2MKII. He knows that's what I use, and after listening, his comment was: That's an f'n good cartridge! One can be had used for around 1K or less, so while you are waiting, you might want to use one til your XV1-S gets repaired.

Good luck,
Dan
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