Almost Time to Replace My DV-20xl

I'm not too concerned about the arm interface; I have a Dynavector 507 MKII and it's beefey enough to handle any cartridge, especially one like the Xv-1s that is pretty heavy.

My main issue is that ever present issue of diminshing return as you move up the line. The Xv-1s is a good bit more than double the cost of an XX2 but is it 'twice' as good....

If you still use that VPI I suggest you not spend much on cartridge; better save on table upgrade. Turntable is the most important part of the analog front end no matter what some foreign audiophiles here say.

Inna: really? I'm thinking a forgiving, mega-tracking cheap cart transcends turntable quality, with some minimum standards of course.

I use the Aries 3 and I agree it's a good table but not necessarily a great one. However it's still fairly new whereas my cartrigde is up there in hours. My next TT will be a TW-Acoustic Raven AC!!!

My Dynavector 507 MKII arm is a 'keeper' and I won't be parting with it anytime soon; it will be a great match for the AC.

Stickman, stick to your guns....there's a bit of bad advice up above...those cartridges will not mistrack if set up correctly...megatracking cheap cartridge? I don't even know what that means...
Your arm is a keeper, and those cartridges will really show it to you like you've never heard it before.
Full steam ahead....and watch out for a few wet logs..