Dynavector XV-1S ---is it overkill for my system?

Will-herrera,
I've always believed it is better to upgrade the sound path starting with the source. You will not go wrong with an XX-2, I believe Dynavectors do better with the Classic arm than Lyras (I have a Classic 3, and tried both the Delos and Kleos, and was not happy with either).

Of course, the arm, TT, phono stage, and cables need to be appropriate if you are going to get the most out of a good cartridge. As you upgrade the source, the potential performance bottleneck moves down the chain. And discovering thosebottlenecks is what makes our hobby fun!

Will_Herrera,
Let us know what you think of the Delos. I had a Dynavector 20X2 H on my Classic 3, and while I loved the excellent bass and excitement this cartridge generated in my system, I craved a smoother high end. So I went for a Delos, and I found that smoother high end, but I had to give up the excellent bass and excitement I had with my Dyna.

Having bought my cartridge from the excellent guys at Needle Doctor, I returned the Delos for a full refund, and eventually decided to move up the Lyra ladder and go for the Kleos. I found the Kleos to have an even smoother and lower distortion mid range and high end, but when I put my 20X2 back on my tone arm, it was no contest...I liked the Dynavector much better. The Lyras just weren't as exciting to listen to. So with much chagrin, I returned the Kleos once again to the Needle Doctor folks for a full refund. I gotta encourage all readers to use these guys, I've just had the best service you could ever expect, and they give very nice trade-in discounts to boot. Thankfully I bought my 20X2 from them, or else I would be feeling really guilty. I like the guys at Music Direct a lot too, but they don't have the same return policy on cartridges the guys at Needle Doctor do.

Anyway, I've just put on a Soundsmith Zephyr on my Classic 3, and at this point I think it is the step up from the 20X2 I was looking for...and at 1/3 the price of the Kleos. Yes, system dependence and personal taste as to what people find 'exciting' is going to vary all over the place, and trying out a bunch of different cartridges isn't easy for anyone except the very rich or the truly indulgent, or the professional reviewers. But forums like this one are really helpful in educating on possibilities, and have steered my purchase decisions in a very positive way.

Yes, that's right...the 20x2 had great, deep bass and a vibrant lower midrange in my system which the Lyras could not match. The reference input for me in my system is my Oppo BDP-95...Dyna richer sounding, the Lyras dryer but smoother. I had the same problem with the CA Virtuoso Wood, which preceded my 20x2...a very dry and unexciting sound. From my findings, a system tilted to more bass might find the Lyras work perfectly. And now the Zephyr in my system seems to balance just right.