Dynavector XV-1S

Send it to Dynavector - they check everything and rebuild the cartridge if necessary to bring it up to new spec.

I have had several Dynavector rebuilds and they have been fantastic, including upgrading the stylus profile and complete new generators all at a reasonable price.

You basically end up with a new cartridge.

If you get it retyped by a 3rd party - in my view it's worthless.

If you want to go cheaper route - send to Steve at VAS Audio.  He's one of the best.  Lots of discussions on this topic at Agon if you search.  Good luck.

https://vasnyinc.com/

+1 dover! Maybe Dynavector also has a trade-in policy for older cartridges?

Steve @ VAS is a great option, currently run a XV1s with his retip on the original cantilever with close to 700 hours in and it sounds wonderful. Also if you can stand the wait time, Soundsmith would be my first option for a rebuild and I would probably go with his solid boron cantilever with a line contact diamond assembly, they did this on my ZYX Universe and it is amazing. Enjoy the music

+1 dover

Thank you! everyone.

Regards

Vince

The request to receive advice on a route to take for a Retip/Refurb on a Cart' is going to become divisive in the directions put forward as a suggestion.

Third Party Retip Services have received quite a number of extremely positive and encouraging testimonials over many years. These assessments are of value to the service receiving them and a selection are put forward by individuals who have a knowledge of Top Tier Cart's. An individual need not be too concerned about a Cart' being sent to a Third Party Service unless they are only wanting a Cart' produced to the original Spec'. This is not any easy achievement as most Services from a OEM will have a 'small print' where equivalent parts are being referred to.

In relation to certain parts that the returned Cart' might be identified as needing to have exchanged. There is no asurity a Brands selected equivalent part, is a superior material to the Material selected by a Third Party Service. 

There is enough info to be digested, that leaves the notion that a reliance on the support of either of the offered Services, is a Support worthwhile considering.    

Dear @vincemartina  : Cartridges of that top level always is better that the work be does it by the manufacturer.

Yes is a little expensive that's why exist the second hand retippers and I can recomend: Joseph Long  Cartridge_Retipping@outlook.com

Btw, I own the XV 1s, really good performer.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

Has anyone heard from Syntax (Thomas) in recent times?
I have messaged him here and at another forum, but no response, which is not like him.
Also, his post of 5-21-2023 in this thread is his last on Audiogon, which coincides with the same time frame of his last post on the other forum I tried contacting him on.
Hope all is well.

I just had my Ortofon Winfield retipped at Soundsmith......extremely happy.

I just had my Ortofon Winfield retipped at Soundsmith......extremely happy.

Which Tip Form was selected for the Windfeld by yourself or Soundsmith.

In my mind, a Super Polished Replicant would be the return to Original Spec'.        A  Geiger FGS, or Paratrace would be closely following the Replicant in Styli Form.

FWIW, I have been part of a group at a Demo' of the Replicant , FGS, FG 80 and Ogura Vital Styli have been mounted on a selection of very similar design Ortofon Cart's.

Cantilever Materials were, Boron > Replicant, Sapphire > FG 80, Sapphire > FGS,   and Beryllium > Ogura Vital + 

My take on the experiences had, and which a few others were in agreement with, was that the Styli, was the least recognisable part in being notable for the end sound.

It was agreed the the overall Structure and Design for the Cart' was classed as the condition that really enabled the noticeable differences to the end sounds being distinguished. 

The Windfeld on this day proved to be a really nice Cart' in comparison to the other Cart's, it was clearly separated in qualities from a few other Cart's.

The Windfeld also proved to be a really nice Cart' to have in use, I suggest there will be quire a few £ssss spent to surpass it.

Gyger, I think (if that counts!)

BTW, does anyone know who makes the Paratrace for Expert Stylus? The London Reference has one, and I was just enjoying I, Robot through it.

My Dynavector XV-1s went back to Japan for a factory rebuild. It came back better sounding than it ever was. The distributor told me when they performed the rebuild they included improvements they’ve made to the model it since mine was new.

I can’r say that what they do normally, but it stands to reason (the distributor is local and we know each other).