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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 2 responses by madfloyd

madfloyd
411 posts
 
Don't mean to fuel the fire but I had a VPI table and arm and kept upgrading, trying to get a certain level of sound. I bought everything that VPI offered and the XV-1s as well (I bought Mike's actually).

I wasn't happy with the sound and most of the folks here on this thread also tried to convince me that the VPI arm was the weakest link. Guess what? They were right. I changed my arm (and table) and was astonished at the difference. It was not subtle in any way. Huge lesson learned.
madfloyd
411 posts
 
DCarol, was there any change in loading or gain on the phono stage when comparing the A90 to the XV-1s?
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