Dynavector XV-1s vs. Transfiguration Temper w

I've never even heard an XV-1s, but a few years ago when considering a new cartridge, it was definitely among the candidates. And if I had bought one and found it "anemic and slow", I'd have to look elsewhere in my system for the reason; because simply on the basis of sales, we know that if the large majority of those who purchased them (in the beginning) found them to be so, then word would get around and sales would shrivel up pretty fast. So much for that.

I've had my TTW for 7 years now, and have no desire to look for anything else. Like all well regarded and popular high priced cartridges, it does all things as well as (or slightly better/worse than) other cartridges in its price range (~ $4k msrp at the time.) The reason my eyes are still not 'wandering' in the cartridge department, is because of something the Temper W does that is unique (within my somewhat limited experience) to this cartridge -- and I presume the Temper V and Orpheus models as well. And that quality is its amazingly QUIET presentation. I'm not talking about electronic noise or hum or RFI. Or mechanical things, like resonances or tracking issues. I'm talking about surface noise -- something which comes with the territory when listening to vinyl. It's just there; more or less, like it or not. And I noticed immediately with the Temper W (and so did a few friends who rushed over to hear the new addition) that the typical level of surface noise we've all come to expect, just wasn't there; ditto in the pops and clicks department too. Not completely gone, but very "noticeable by its absence" (let me put it that way ;--) and more so because all the dynamics and low level micro detail were exceptional, as I would expect in any cartridge of its price/popularity/reviews/etc.

Being of a somewhat inquisitive and analytical disposition, I've tried to figure out what (if anything) structural attributes of the TTW might account for this characteristic, and I've been unable to come up with anything. There are two elements in the construction of the TTW which are different from others in its class -- namely the ring magnet (more like a cylinder actually) and the 'push-pull' suspension. But I've been unable so far, to draw a connection between either of those elements and that special sonic attribute of this cartridge; and yet, there it is ;--)
.

Interesting and intelligent post Nsgarch, thank you. I've tried quite a few high end cartridges in my system/room, and while I do like some better than others, I've yet to hear one that sounds slow, dull AND anemic. Perhaps some feel the need to exacerbate, which they feel will make their experience more powerful. It doesn't, it just makes a poster come off as more of a novice. My guess is, if you feel a expensive, popular cartridge sounds THAT bad, you probably don't know how to set it up correctly OR you bought a damaged item. I'm certainly not a XV-1S owner who is just defending his cartridge. I did own one for a couple of months and found it to be a very good cartridge. No, not as good as a ZYX UNIverse, but very good in it's own right. I eventually sold it and moved on.

As I stated earlier, I have never heard the TTW, so I cannot comment. I have heard the Orpheus in my friend's system. It sounded very nice in his system, but his system tends to be more transparent and analytical than my system. I was afraid the Orpheus may have been a bit too warm for my system, based on what I heard in his system and Orpheus reviews.

Anyway, I found your comments on the noise floor very interesting, as I have never had this experience with a cartridge. Sure, some have been quieter than others, but I have not had a "AHA" moment with the noise floor with a cartridge. That said, I have had a couple of "AHA" moments regarding the noise floor in the analog front end. However, my two "AHA" moments involving noise floor came from a Basis turntable and a Walker Audio phono preamp, not from a cartridge. Again though, I haven't had the pleasure of listening to a TTW. :)

Jmcgrogan2
Hi. I was actually hoping to avoid giving the impression that I was referring to the noise floor -- we all know what that means. No, what my friends and I noticed was that the Temper W just seems not to render those surface artifacts that usually come from DIRT, as opposed to actual physical damage (worn grooves, scratches, etc.) It's almost as if the TTW has some way to filter out just those kinds of noise -- something that nowadays I understand, can be easily done with special software algorithms. The problem with that solution of course being it's only possible to do in the digital domain, and not something I'd want to insert into the analog chain.

So although I'll stick with my TTW, that isn't to say there aren't a few cartridges I'd love to hear in MY system, before I shuffle off this mortal coil. Including the UNIverse, along with a Colibri, a Koetsu Urushi, Air Tight PC-1, Allaerts, and some others I can't recall at the moment. I've already heard all those (except the ZYX) at shows or in other systems, which can't provide me information sufficient to make a purchase decision. As they say, "all cats are gray in the dark!" ;--)
.

I have a Temper W I use with a VPI Aries II and Aesthetix Rhea. I absolutely LOVE this combo. In fact, I have given thought to buying a second Temper W just to have as a back-up when and if this present one should go on me. The Temper W is very sensitive to VTF and VTA settings. I find this an advantage, as it allows me to dial in VTA for each record. I've more or less settled on a setting for standard weight records and another for heavy weight vinyl. But you would be shocked at the difference a slight adjustment can make if a particular record sounds bass shy or has too much top end energy. If you have a lead on a good condition Temper W and decide against it, let me know. I would be interested. Sound is rich and full bodied with plenty of low frequency extension. Vocals are spot on. Cartridge delivers plenty of air and sparkle.

Stew, I hadn't thought to mention the TTW's performance leap when the SRA (stylus rake angle) is just right. But it's true. Of course, it has to do (mostly) with the incredibly crafted Ogura diamond stylus.

When I unpacked my TTW, the first thing I did (as I always do with cartridges, especially new ones), was to stick it under the scope to see how the stylus is attached to the cantilever; you can tell a lot about a cartridge maker's concern for quality construction by looking at that one detail. (Van den Hul styli for example are GLUED on with an amorphous blob of epoxy!)

What I saw on my TTW literally took my breath away! The diamond stylus is a square crystal ROD, that pierces the end of the cantilever like a dagger! It is precisely shaped like that for its entire length, not just near the tip; while the line contact edges are long, clean, and sharp! No wonder it really "locks" into the groove when set just right ;--)
.