Changing from an XV1-S

Agree with Mackris.

The VPI arm will not allow either the Dynavector or Ortofon to perform optimally.

Makes no sense to pair an average tonearm with a world class cartridge.

IMO
Dealer disclaimer

Hi DCarol,

Warning - dealer disclaimer.

When I read a post like yours, the questions that immediately that come to mind are - what is the poster after, and what is the weak link in his signal chain?

With all due respect to the posters above, I beg to differ. They have given you excellent advice about cartridges - what you WANT, but not what you NEED ... methinks.

If the cartridge is not worn out, I would keep it and look to your turntable and tonearm. The XV-1s is not the weak link in your signal chain.

While it's true that you might be getting tired of the XV1s, this has more to do with your turntable and tonearm than with your cartridge.

None of this is to say that there aren't other wonderful cartridges out there, and the A-90 certainly is one of them.

Notice the comments about the others being better "by a small margin". In my experience, I've found setup inconsistencies to easily cover these small margins.

You have bigger gains to make, and especially for your budget allocation.

If you happen to make it to the Audiofest this October, we'll be highlighting the XV1s and the A-90 on our turntables. You'll really hear both of these fine cartridges strut their stuff.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

I can 2nd Mike's view on the A90. I have both XV-1 and the A90. The A90 has better transparency coupled with more refined upper frquencies. The bass is tighter than the XV-1.
If you prefer the upper frequency sparkle or lift that a lot of MC's have, the A90 does not have that as it is very balanced.
the A90 tells you more about your system.

the XV-1 is still a very nice cartridge.

Dcarol,

do you get any hum with the Dynavector? I am using a Grado Statement The Reference 1 with my Classic, and I get some annoying hum when the arm is over the platter.

VPI told me that just happens with that combination since the Grado is completely unshielded. I love the sound, but the hum really bothers me. I know with other VPI's there is no hum with the seperation of the motor and platter, but this bothers me.

I was thinking a new cartridge as well and the Dyna XV-1s was on my list. I was wondering if it was well shielded?

But now that you are doing the research, maybe I should try one of the cartridges that you are suggesting?/

thx.

Hi, I have had the A90 on a Classic table for several months now and love it. I prefer it to my previous Sota Cosmo IV table/SME iv.iv tonearm and XV1s setup. I have the Dartzeel preamp with built in phono pre. I am also using a TTweights copper peripheral ring which sounds great, and I would recommend getting.

I am in the same boat...just started a thread for help deciding among Lyra Titan, A90, and XV-1s to go on a VPI 10.5i.

Pepe

Did you ever think of a Sussuro by Soundsmith? When I heard it, I thought it was wonderful...maybe perfect. Tracking, quickness, musicality...really great.

Thanks Mike.

I think I'll go the A90 route as someone else just told me it's the ONLY way to go. I'm just looking for more realism. The Cadenza Black sounded more 'real' than the XV1-S which maybe down to the newer technology. The XV1-S was better in some areas but not all.

I'll see how long it'll take my dealer to get hold of one.

i'll first echo your friend on the A90 as i own 2 of them; and it is different enough from the XV-1s that it's something new. it's more vivid, transparent and articulate in the bass than the XV-1s.

i like the Titan i but have never lived with one. some consider it a bit lean. it's great at space. i own a Lyra Olympos SL which is a bit more 'fleshed out' and sweet compared with the Titan but it's also twice the price and scarce.

i've owned an XV-1s and have always considered it about the perfect all around cartridge.....of which maybe the A90 has now one-uped it by a small margin as it's more neutral and detailed.....and still relatively affordable.

maybe consider which direction from the XV-1s you want to travel. more detail? more body? more space?

good luck and even if you stay with the XV-1s you will still have one of the world's best.