Dynavector XV-1s vs. Transfiguration Temper w

Obviously these things are system-dependent and highly subjective - at this price level all cartridges are basically very good and if I had just heard the DV-1S and not the others I'd have been happy owning one - but in my system the UNIverse and A90 sounded better to my ears. Anemic and slow are just adjectives to describe what I heard vs. the UNIverse and A90 - I didn't mean to sound harsh or suggest that it sounded awful - it just lacked in certain areas important to me vs. a few other comparatively-priced options.

I would generally agree on the assessment of the XV-1S as slow and anemic - at least in my system. I have had a number of cartridges in similar systems including the aforementioned Dynavector as well as the Zyx UNIverse and Ortofon MC A90 and I can tell you that, at least in my system with my ears, the Dynavector was not in the same class as either of the other two.

Have also heard the latest Benz LPS in a similar system and it also easily bested the Dynavector.

I'm a huge fan of Dynavector's more modestly-priced cartridges, especially the DV20x, but I think their top level models lag behind many of the rest.

IMO, YMMV, etc, etc

Wow Downunder, that must have been quite the research project you undertook to uncover my postings form previous years!

I haven't really made any progress in my strange tracking issues - as I have stated on previous occasions the "problem" is strange but doesn't really result in audible mistracking on more than a few records. I've come to the conclusion that it must be something funky with my room - perhaps some magnetic drag on the cartridge or something, hard to say. Again though, it's mostly on testing, rather than listening, that the "problem" becomes evident. Any further suggestions then please do let me know.

In the meantime, I don't think this invalidates my opinion on cartridges as, again, the overwhelming majority of records track perfectly. My personal opinion on the XV-1S is as stated but YMMV. I didn't hate the thing, just though it was not up the the level of the UNIverse or XV-1S (or likely the Benz LPS in a similar system with a different table/arm). And usually I am a big fan of Dyna cartridges.

Jcmcgrogan2 - if you want to get literal and specific with these terms then how can something that is less transparent and detailed be more "musical"? In my mind one necessarily leads to the other. Any cartridge or component that transmits the subtlest of details - microdynamic shadings, vocal inflections, room acoustics, etc - is truer to the original recorded performance.

Never understood this "musical" vs. "detail" dichotomy.

But I think we're digressing here!