Dynavector cartridge upgrade decision


I can't resist upgrading. I prefer the sound of my Dynavector 20XL over the Shelter 501MkII that I originally had, so I'm thinking to stay within the Dynavector line.

I know that an XX2 would be a good value upgrade, however I'm worried that I'd still have the upgrade bug after that so I'm considering the Te Kaitora Rua or (gulp!) the XV-1.

From reading historical posts and Dynavector's site, I'm getting the impression that the highs on the XV-1 may be more analytical versus the 'silk-like treble' of the Rua. I'm searching for both detail and lush-ness so I don't want something 'dark' sounding.

Can anyone describe the sonic differences between the two? Is it a matter of system synergy, or personal taste?

My equipment: VPI Scoutmaster w/sig JMW 9, SDS, Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono stage, ARC Ref 3 preamp, Theta Citadel 1.5 amps. Speakers are Aerial 9s but will be soon auditioning Vandersteen 5As.

Thanks in advance.
madfloyd

Showing 2 responses by rauliruegas

Dear Madfloyd: I agree with the people that support the XV-1 and like everything the performance is almost always system dependent specially on the tonearm and Phonolinepreamp.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Dear Madfloyd: Other that what Tfkaudio posted the tonearm can makes a difference because: differences on the quality internal wiring, tonearm build material, self damping of that build material, vibration speed dissipation on that build material, bearing type that affects the performance, etc, etc.

The relationship between a tonearm and the cartridge is very complex and " intimate " and all those " parameters " and some others interfere with the quality performance. IMHO the tonearm/cartridge is a " unit " not two independent audio items: one depend on the other.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.