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Dynavector xv-1s for Scoutmaster Sig.

I've enjoyed a Sumiko Blackbird now for some time on our Scoutmaster Sig. It has been at the heart of what has brought me back to my vinyl roots, and am grateful for this. As a professional musician, I am keenly aware of timbral authenticity, soundstaging, and hearing into/through a performance, thus I'd like to see what cart upgrade direction would provide the best means to this, and match well with our table. From research, I'm particularly interested in the Dynavector xv-1s, as it seems to be designed with these objectives, yet on the pre-owned market, comes within my budget (circa 2400). There are of course many discussions already on the xv-1s that have been interesting to read. A bit concerned only in that I've been advised by a few fellow audiophiles that the jmw9 signature arm cannot provide all that xv-1s is capable of producing, and should "buy to the arm," sort to speak. Any thoughts and/or experiences with this combo?
mbump
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rauliruegas
13,015 posts
 
Dear Mbump: Yes, the XV1s is a very good performer way better not only that your Sumiko one but IMHO better that all the ones named here.

Even though and other that the tonearm subject ( btw, VPI designer use the XV1 as his " prefere " cartridge with his tonearms. Could be important to ask him about. ) the XV1s ask for first rate Phonolinepreamp that you don't own yet.

In the other side from that Sumiko to the Dyna is a big big jump that maybe could put your system more in trouble than on improved perfromance.

If I was you I will take another alternative that not only outperform that Sumiko but that match your priorities and your system: Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, you can be really surprised how good this humble MM performs.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
chfs911
23 posts
 
If you get a chance try a Dr XV-1t in the arm. The cartridge is the most important link to the grooves so it is "garbage in garbage out" principle. The arm is only a support and the unipivot design is simple enough to not have too many vices. If you can afford to throw $s at the arm and deck too then fine but the SSM JPW9 won plenty of awards for its performance and is GVFM. I am getting a new XV cartridge so maybe the 10.5i will be money well spent with the VTA on the fly adjustment.

But will it be the S or T? :O)
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>01-10-12: Chfs911
The cartridge is the most important link to the grooves so it is "garbage in garbage out" principle. The arm is only a support and the unipivot design is simple enough to not have too many vices.<<

That is incorrect.

The arm is far more important than the cartridge.
chfs911
23 posts
 
It is simple logic. What detail you loose you cannot replace down stream. Laws of physics.

How can you argue against the basic laws of physics?

The arm will contribute to how well the cartridge tracks the record. My findings from using 10s of different arms is most of them work pretty well.

I even tested the prototype PU7 running 4 identical decks and cartridges with Aro, Ekos2, PU7 and PU3.

Yes, the arms all give different sound but the XV-1s will shine through in any of them with the detail it presents.

Your opinion may differ but we at least can all have an opinion right or wrong. It is my opinion I like the XV-1s alot whereever I choose to fit it!
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