Dynavector XV-1s vs. Transfiguration Temper w

BTW - there was another poster on this forum who recently replaced a Temper with the Phoenix (since you can no longer get an Orpheus). I believe he was saying that the new Phoenix bested his older Temper in some regards. Perhaps he will chime in here.

I believe I hear what you speak of...some of my recordings, even new ones, sound harsh (most sound great) with my XV-1s (I do not what to confuse this thread with bad recordings). So let's assume the difference with good recordings with both carts and add in the Orpheus. When you say the Orpheus is no longer available, the Orpheus L is? Do you know if the Orpheus Temper w or v are out of production? I would like to have another cartridge to throw in the mix with my XV-1s, any suggestions...good match with my Basis/Aesthetix setup.
Thanks,
Greg

Greg, I own a 2500 Signature and I've owned a Dynavector XV-1s mounted on it. I also have a friend who has a 2200 Signature with a Transfiguration Orpheus mounted on it. I would generally agree with what Ptmconsulting has posted. The Dynavector is more dynamic, powerful and transparent, while the Transfiguration is warmer and more musical. Which one would work best for you would depend on the rest of your system. If your system needs some warmth, go for the Transfiguration. If your system needs a shot in the arm, the Dynavector would work best.

Sorry, I haven't heard the Temper w, so I can't add anything there.

I haven't heard the Temper W in quite a while. At the time, I thought it was a decent cartridge, but somewhat "polite" and lacking in the ability to make the music jump. The later Transfigurations are much better in that regard. I've heard, and liked, a Phoenix that a friend had in his system for a short time (on a Linn table with Naim ARO arm).

I own a Transfiguration Orpheus L cartridge. I like it a lot. It works very well with my Basis Vector 3 arm/Basis Debut Vacuum table. I think the Basis arm would work well with just about any medium to low compliance cartridge. It is an arm that is very capable of draining/dissipating the large amount of vibrational energy a cartridge can deliver into the arm (one of the reasons Jonathan Carr of Lyra recommends Vector arms).

I also own a Lyra Titan cartridge. I like this cartridge a lot too. It has a bit more open and "airy" sound than the Orpheus. The Orpheus has a bit more emphasis in the upper midrange (Lyra is cooler sounding). Both are terrific cartridges with a different, though, to me, equally appealing sound.

It's been a while since I heard the XV-1S and it was in a somewhat unfamiliar dealer system. The system sounded good, so the cartridge must be good too. A friend has a cheaper Dynavector (XX-2, I believe) that he likes as much as his Orpheus. Beyond a certain price/quality point, preference becomes a system matching/personal preference decision and one cannot necessarily expect price to indicate "better" sound.