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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
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
IME a different or new sound can often be misinterpreted as "better".

I believe many hours are required to determine if the new component is better and as Dan said, it's still a subjective call.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I have spent 9 nmonths listening to the A90 and 9 years listening to the XV-1.

The A90 is the better cartridge overall. It is more pure, less sound of its own and sounds musically more coherent top to bottom. The XV-1 has a looser bigger bass and clearly more sparkle in the top end in direct comparison.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
08-26-10: Downunder
The A90 is the better cartridge overall>>

Correction. To your ears it is a better cartridge.

Better is subjective.

One size does not fit all for any component.

After 9 years that should be apparent.
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
724 posts
 
What's been lost in this conversation is the subtle but (to my ears) significant changes that the XV1s has undergone in the last year - benefiting from the development of the XV1t.

I don't want to get into the better/worse discussion on these two obviously fine cartridges, but the person reading this is likely considering the purchase of a NEW cartridge.

Taken in that light, current XV1s should be the subject of this comparison (with the current A90).

Ultimately, one's preferences might be the same ... or not.

The usual dealer disclaimer warning applies.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Bill, better is of course subjective. better in my system certainly.

better in every system, probably not.
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