Interesting to read this, as I posted a very similar question regarding the XV-1s a month or so ago. Likewise, I received very similar suggestions regarding improving the tonearm and/or phono pre first. Now having had the XV-1s for a while, I can appreciate the logic of this upgrade advice. Example: I have two JMW9 Signature arms for my Scoutmaster - XV-1s mounted on one, my older Blackbird on the other. A/B-ing via my current EAR 834p deluxe phono pre, I can't say the XV-1s provides that much more than the Blackbird. In fact, I prefer many of the Blackbird's characteristics in this scenario. However, change out the EAR for a Herron VTPH-2 I currently have on audition, and the XV-1s is in another league. Blackbird's sounding great too, but its the flexibility of the Herron which helps bring out the potential of the XV-1s. FWIW ~
Dynavector XV-1S ---is it overkill for my system?
I've been enjoying my VPI Classic 1 w/ Dynavector 17D3 cartridge for a couple of years now, but I've got the upgrade bug and I'm ready to make the leap up to a higher performing cart. The Dynavector XV-1S is on my short list, but what do you guys think, is it overkill for my system?
Here are the rest of my components: Heed Quasar phono pre, VTL 2.5 preamp, McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe amp, Paradigm Studio 100 v.2 speakers, Cardas Golden Reference and Gabriel Gold Revelation interconnects and Wireworld Equinox speaker cables.
Here are the rest of my components: Heed Quasar phono pre, VTL 2.5 preamp, McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe amp, Paradigm Studio 100 v.2 speakers, Cardas Golden Reference and Gabriel Gold Revelation interconnects and Wireworld Equinox speaker cables.