Dynavector XV-1S ---is it overkill for my system?

Honestly, the 17D3 is overkill for your Heed Phono. The XV-1s is probably ok, because it is a very anaemic cartridge but when you want to go ahead, think about a better Phonostage.

Best bang for your buck is a tonearm or phono preamp upgrade.

Syntax---back off, I love my Heed Quasar!! ;) No, seriously, I think it's a great little phono pre, but I have been looking into upgrading that part of my system as well, now that you mention it. It's funny what you said about the 17D3/Heed combo---the reason I bought the Heed is because somebody recommended it to me as a great match for the 17D3! And I do think they've worked well together, I'm just looking for more of what I'm already getting (neutrality, detail, dynamics, presence, excitement, all that stuff), you know how it is.

Dear Will_herrera: The XV-1s is a great quality performer by any standard but the ones that likes distortions, certainly not anemic other than the system that showed that " anemic " behavior but IMHO not the cartridge.

There are cartridges or other items that can shows us some " faults " elsewhere in our audio systems and the XV-1s is IMHO one of that.

Looking to your system and looking on what you like on music and your audio/music priorities I think that you could make things better than with 17D3 through the MM alternative and in specific with the Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood and with the money that you save on the XV-1s you can invest it in more music/LPs.

Well, that is another alternative.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

I have no experience with the components you mention. However, the XV-s is a top flight cartridge and I doubt your system would get the best out of it. If I were you I'd go for something cheaper and upgrade elsewhere.