Dynavector XV-1s What is the REAL story?


I have read the performance parameters required for best sound in this cartridge, by the great HP,which I found interesting and perplexing.I then read,what seems to be a complete about face of HP's findings,by Mr Fremer,in Stereophile.Mr. Fremer does make a valid argument(we're talking tracking force)for correct alignment in the coils,and claims the mfgr's suggested force is the way to go.Makes sense,to me, NOT to stray from what the original designer has recommended!Yet,what do I know?It also seemed that MR Fremer was intentionally making the point,that HP was a bit clueless regarding downforce.

Well,now we have the "new audio pioneer"(I do like the guy,alot)Arthur Salvatore,on his "really fun to follow" web pages,stating that after much experience,with the XV-1s,he has concluded that MR Pearson was RIGHT,in recommending a downforce considerably higher than even the mfgr states.Obviously Mr Fremer would be incorrect.Even though his argument follows the line of ultimate reliability,as well as performance.All in a product costing about 4500 bucks--????

So,my argument is this---"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON"???

We have a very expensive product that has gotten a considerable amount of press,where the supposedly top reviewers in the industry cannot seem to agree on a parameter that will DEFINITELY affect both sonic performance,as well as long term reliability!

They claim that "Newbees" are in short supply,and the industry is shrinking.Hmm,I wonder why!

Do we ALL cancel our subscriptions,to these "once hobbyist oriented" journels?Do we rely on forums like this to garnish the "TRUTH",where there STILL are those who "jump" at the opportunity to tout their Favorite possessions,and put in a good word for their favorite designer/manufacturers?

Or do we start to rely on our own sense of perceptions,which(believe me)really begin to "sharpen up",after you have spent your hard earned cash!!

Any thoughts are always welcome!!
sirspeedy70680e509

Showing 3 responses by dgad

Grooves,

Loved your review of the XV-1s. A friend told me it only takes 60 hours to break in. Mine was sounding congested well beyond the 60 hours. I was ready to sell it. Finally after about 200 hours it opened up. After reading your article I said to myself, if I only read your article earlier I would have had more piece of mind knowing that break in is much longer than I expected. Your description of the cartridge matches mine exactly, but only after it breaks in. Before that it is unlistenable.
Sirspeedy,

Thanks for the system breakdown. Nothing can compare perfectly integrated bass & having heard RS 1Bs years ago, I can attest they are amazing. My all time favorite system was the same but running w. Carver Silver Seven amps & Levinson 20.5 on the bass. This was when I was a kid @ Lyric hifi. What a system. What a room. Don't remember the source. I didn't care back then. I had no money.

I am full steam ahead on the importance of a great Linear Tracking Arm. In theory & now from your words nothing can compare to it. Karl-Heinz loves the Kuzma and says it is the top. You mention the Air-Tangent. Now for some food for thought to those of use who have already spent too much. There is a Musicmaker Linear tracking tonearm coming out on the inexpensive side. I am itching to find out more, if not get it. I have room for a bunch of arms so why not. And why not add a few more cartridges, but I am stopping on the cartridge front for a while until I earn more meony.