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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 7 responses by labpro

labpro's avatar
labpro
85 posts
 

So after careful set up ( Smartractor for alignment and microscope for VTA)  I have 50 hours on a new Dynavector XV1s.

Using TW Acustic Raven and TW Acustic 10.5 arm. SUT is an Auditorium 23 T2, the correct SUT for this cartridge according to the dealer.

I read through the various comments here, and tried many VTF settings......settled between 1.95 and 2.00. I tweaked the VTA to correspond with VTF changes. Whoever said this cartridge is "hyper sensitive" to VTF setting was 100% correct.

Anyway, I like the overall presentation but I am disappointed with the mid-base. Horns and vocals sound too "thin" especially sax and female voices. It lacks "meat on the bone."

Typically you would add some weight to the VTF to get a "fuller/heavier sound, but its still unimpressive. I'm used to Miyajima so perhaps the Dynavectors are just more cool sounding?

Can someone familiar with Dynavector XV1s comment on this.

Will things improve with further break in?

labpro's avatar
labpro
85 posts
 

I also sent a message to Mike at Dynavector to get his input. I’ll report back. 

labpro's avatar
labpro
85 posts
 

According to the dealer, it’s best to have a cartridge with a lower direct current resistance (DCR) than the SUT. The XV1s is 6 ohm and the T2 SUT is 15 ohm (the A23 T1 is 2 ohm). That being said, no harm in trying the T1. Thanks for the suggestion. 

labpro's avatar
labpro
85 posts
 

I agree that 100 hours would be better. The first 20 hours were pretty painful, the next 30 hours things improved, but still poor mid base. I hope the next 50 hours transforms this area. I’ll bet I’ve spent 1 year of my “ audiophile life” waiting for stuff to break in completely. 👍

labpro's avatar
labpro
85 posts
 

Just to close the loop on this conversation.

I heard from Dynavector US, and the Auditorium T1 (not T2) is the best A23 SUT for the XV1s.

Thank you all who helped me on this issue. 

labpro's avatar
labpro
85 posts
 

Dover, I simply cannot thank you enough for this excellent explanation. Now you know why I studied Marketing and not Electrical Engineering. I think the world is a safer place that way. Thank you again.

On a side note, I plan to reinstall the XV1s and finish breaking it in, using the T1 then adjusting the VTF and VTA as recommended.

labpro's avatar
labpro
85 posts
 

Just reporting back as promised.
I remounted the XV1s with the Auditorium 23 T1 SUT this time.

It’s a totally different presentation. Now I see (hear) why folks love this cartridge.

i recently added 2 Audience Front Row phono cables and they get along great with this Dynavector. 
 

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