Just sold my Dynavector XV-1s

Yes, the serial# is on the cart for a XV1's. The OP may not know or remember the serial #. Just make sure that the cart is sent back along with the certificate that was with it. That way you can at least match the 2 numbers. If they don't match then there's a problem. Who knows, you may put it in your system and it will play just fine. Fingers crossed!!!!

I had bought a XV1's on here a few years ago from a seller in SF. There was an obvious sonic imbalance with it. I tried to counterbalance with azimuth adjustments in my Phantom but to no avail. Seller said i ain't taking it back!! Nothing's wrong with it when i had it in my system.

I ended up sending the cartridge to Soundsmith. Peter found that it was seriously flawed from the factory. The coils were rotated. He was able to fix it but it took months before i got it back. The wait was well rewarded. During that time period i ended up getting an Ortofon A90 so my XV1's is my "spare". Not that it's taken a back seat to my A90. I have it mounted on an other armwand and still listen to it on occasion when i crave for a different sound. Still fabulous sounding cartridge. Will not part with it.

The buyer sent back the XV-1s and yes 1 channel was gone. It was my cartridge with the serial # visible on the cart. that matched the certificate. I sent it to Soundsmith for evaluation and they determined one coil wire is detached. Could have happened in shipping or the buyer injured it during setup...I will never know. Soundsmith said the cantilever and tip were in fine shape. So I will just eat the repair cost and relist it. I think when buying/selling a used cartidge you must be able to hold his breath for just enough time to suffer brain damage!
Thank you all for your thoughts and advice.
Greg

My guess would be the shipping part Greg. It's too bad you didn't have the repairs covered by the shipping insurance.
Oh well, problem solved. I held my breath for 5 days waiting for a reply from the gent I sold my ZYX 4D to and yes, there was brain damage, just ask my wife. Fortunately I did not have any issues, but you are right, it is very scary shipping these expensive, fragile items.

More and more I think it is important to document the condition of a piece of equipment prior to shipping. Not just photos but also a video with evidence of the date which shows that the equipment is working. And then pay for packing by FedEx etc so you aren't accused of improper packing. I am not sure how it could be more likely that the recipient damaged the coils...

3 ways the damaged occured:
1. I did it removing and packaging...I'm 99% positive this did not happen.
2. Damaged in shipping.
3. Buyer damaged during unpacking/setup.
The question I have now...does it de-value the cart. by not having Dynavector do the repair?
Will the Soundsmith repair cost me more than just the repair?