Time for new used cartridge
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 |
Yes, your broken XV-1S can be repaired. I was there when Dan_Ed snapped the cantilever off his - ouch! - so his advice exactly suits your situation. Don't know Soundsmith's cost, but that's too good a cartridge to throw away without asking. I can't think of many better carts for your stated sonic and musical goals and few that would as good, especially for < $3K. Benz will be a shade warmer, richer and fuller, but also a hair slower and won't quite match the Dynavector's dynamics and extension. An easy cartridge to listen to and enjoy, not quite as hard rockin'. Helikon is distinctly cooler, though it does have the advantages Syntax mentioned. ZYX Atmos X-SB low output would be an excellent choice. All the bass, dynamics and punch of the XV-1S, greater HF extension and speed, a more neutral tonal palette than any of the above. SORAsound's now selling new for just $2495, a real "bargain" in our crazy world. Transfiguration Orpheus would be a serious contender, especially the lower output version. Many of the same characteristics as the Atmos and a very good cartridge for your kind of music. $6K new, so maybe above your range unless you get lucky. |
Some manufacturers have that point of view, when someone else "repairs", "rebuilds" their cartridge, it shall no longer be considered their original name. I can understand it, I listened to some "rebuilds" from non-authorized personell and I can speak her only for me, I will NEVER buy such a cartridge for a normal price. I would send it back to Dynavector. Normally it will be replaced with a new one for a fixed price. |
If you decide to fix the xv1-s and you want a hold over/backup cartridge in the meanwhile, Lyra's new Delos cartridge ($1500 list) may do the trick. Attached are a thread on this on Agon with comments from Jonathan Carr of Lyra on it as well as a link to Music Direct's description page. It may merit looking into: Agon thread: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1258844370 MD Page: http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86577 |
