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Changing from an XV1-S

Hi All

I'm considering (read hankering) for a new cartridge. I have been using a Dynavector XV1-S for a while now and although it really is good I feel that other manufacturers have overtaken this recently with units that cost a 'tad' less.

It's going on my VPI Classis/ 10.5 and the new Whest PS.30RDT Special Edition/ Conrad Johnson ART MK1/ Levinson 331 Poweramp/ JM Lab Scala Utopia. The general sound from the system is excellent to bloody brilliant BUT having just heard an Ortofon Cadenza Black in the system I am led to believe that the XV1-S technology is 'getting on'.

A friend has recommended the Ortofon A90 or Lyra Titan.
Is there anything else I should look at?

My musical tastes are wide BUT do not include Opera, Classical or choir. I like vocals but love instumentals.

Thanks for your help - if I get any :)

dcarol

Showing 3 responses by jazdoc

jazdoc
365 posts
 
Mike,
You are so bad ;-)
jazdoc
365 posts
 
Yesterday, I had a chance to listen to A90 and a Dynavector XV1-S on a high resolution system. The A90 is new (and possibly not completely broken-in). My XV1-S has 2500 +/- 500 hours of use and it not the most recent iteration.

We played a variety of music. Keeping in mine the caveats described above, I preferred the A90 which to my ear did nothing worse and a few things better. The A90 bass was tauter (but not lean) and the performance just seemed a little better integrated, i.e. musicans playing in unison rather than separately.

Both are terrific cartridges. As always YMMV
jazdoc
365 posts
 
Dan,

No offense taken ;-)

I probably did a poor job of describing what I was hearing. As a jazz lover, it catches my ear if the musicians sound like they are playing as an integrated unit (my preference) or are off doing their own thing. I don't want them to sound homogenized, rather I want to hear how the piano player's comping or the drummer's brushes are supporting the soloist, etc.

I hope you post your impressions once you get a chance to hear the A90. I certainly could understand if others have a preference for the XV1-S. It's a fun hobby ain't it?
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