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
Mike,
I know what you mean. I have 7 tables, 6 tonearms, 6 phono stages, and 21 cartridges.

I have no doubt the A90 is a wonderful cartridge but 50+ years in the hobby and business has taught me the latest is not always the greatest.

Thanks
Hi Audiofeil

Your last statement makes a lot of sense. I think I will leave this one to my ears and wallet and that is it.
I love these conversations! So, is it safe to say that if a audiophile upgrades from a Dynavector 20-xl (using a Dyna 507 MKII arm) that regardless of the following upgrade option chosen, either a Dyna XV-1s, or a Ortofon A90, or a Grado The Statement1, that they would be thrilled with the overall improvement? If the answer is 'yes', then perhaps they should just go with the 'cheapest' cartridge of the three??? That would be the Grado...
I agree with the other posters that "new" technology does not necessarily mean better. I don't know of anything about the Cadenza Black's design/technology that makes it any "newer" than the Dynavector. If you liked the Cadenza Black more, it could be for a variety of reasons -- personal taste, system matching/synergy, better alignment (could happen just by chance), the Dynavector having become "tired" and worn, etc. So many factors come into play that it is hard to offer anything more than a suggestion on what to try (if you have a dealer that lets you try cartridges) or to gamble on if you cannot do an in-home trial. Just one factor alone -- how a cartridge works with a particular phonostage -- is such a big deal that it becomes almost meaningless to speculate on a winner.

But, if you happen to like the Ortofon house sound, then of course the A90 should be a contender. There still is the possibility that the A90 will not suit your needs.

As a very rough guide into what to consider, if you are looking for a more incisive sound (faster sounding transients and more "jump"), then, the Titan is a contender, as would be the Van Den Hull Colibre, or the Decca London and even the Transfiguration Orpheus L. I haven't heard the A90, but a friend has its close cousin the Per Winfield. The PW is a very good sounding cartridge. Again, as a rough generalization, you probably would not be looking at a Koetsu (unless it is something like the Onyx Platinum), or an Allaerte.

SLS has been around for several decades, but this is the first application in cartridge chassis building. Maybe even in audio, but I don't think Ortophon has discovered Warp Drive. What is interesting is that the shapes of the A90 and XV-1s have some similarities when viewing the side profile. I have heard nothing but good about the sound of the A90 and look forward to hearing one in Thom's room at RMAF.

I recently heard an Orpheus L, thanks to Sunnyboy1956. We didn't have time to do an A/B with my XV-1s but it was obvious to me that I could live with this cartridge. It is an excellent tracker, retrieves the finest details and has a character I like.

I'm not really sure why we were "asked" about this move. :-) Seems like the answer was pre-determined.