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Changing from an XV1-S

Hi All

I'm considering (read hankering) for a new cartridge. I have been using a Dynavector XV1-S for a while now and although it really is good I feel that other manufacturers have overtaken this recently with units that cost a 'tad' less.

It's going on my VPI Classis/ 10.5 and the new Whest PS.30RDT Special Edition/ Conrad Johnson ART MK1/ Levinson 331 Poweramp/ JM Lab Scala Utopia. The general sound from the system is excellent to bloody brilliant BUT having just heard an Ortofon Cadenza Black in the system I am led to believe that the XV1-S technology is 'getting on'.

A friend has recommended the Ortofon A90 or Lyra Titan.
Is there anything else I should look at?

My musical tastes are wide BUT do not include Opera, Classical or choir. I like vocals but love instumentals.

Thanks for your help - if I get any :)

dcarol
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,467 posts
 
Did you ever think of a Sussuro by Soundsmith? When I heard it, I thought it was wonderful...maybe perfect. Tracking, quickness, musicality...really great.
cajunpepe
255 posts
 
I am in the same boat...just started a thread for help deciding among Lyra Titan, A90, and XV-1s to go on a VPI 10.5i.

Pepe
elescher's avatar
elescher
114 posts
 
Hi, I have had the A90 on a Classic table for several months now and love it. I prefer it to my previous Sota Cosmo IV table/SME iv.iv tonearm and XV1s setup. I have the Dartzeel preamp with built in phono pre. I am also using a TTweights copper peripheral ring which sounds great, and I would recommend getting.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Dcarol,

do you get any hum with the Dynavector? I am using a Grado Statement The Reference 1 with my Classic, and I get some annoying hum when the arm is over the platter.

VPI told me that just happens with that combination since the Grado is completely unshielded. I love the sound, but the hum really bothers me. I know with other VPI's there is no hum with the seperation of the motor and platter, but this bothers me.

I was thinking a new cartridge as well and the Dyna XV-1s was on my list. I was wondering if it was well shielded?

But now that you are doing the research, maybe I should try one of the cartridges that you are suggesting?/

thx.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I can 2nd Mike's view on the A90. I have both XV-1 and the A90. The A90 has better transparency coupled with more refined upper frquencies. The bass is tighter than the XV-1.
If you prefer the upper frequency sparkle or lift that a lot of MC's have, the A90 does not have that as it is very balanced.
the A90 tells you more about your system.

the XV-1 is still a very nice cartridge.
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