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Dynavector xv-1s for Scoutmaster Sig.

I've enjoyed a Sumiko Blackbird now for some time on our Scoutmaster Sig. It has been at the heart of what has brought me back to my vinyl roots, and am grateful for this. As a professional musician, I am keenly aware of timbral authenticity, soundstaging, and hearing into/through a performance, thus I'd like to see what cart upgrade direction would provide the best means to this, and match well with our table. From research, I'm particularly interested in the Dynavector xv-1s, as it seems to be designed with these objectives, yet on the pre-owned market, comes within my budget (circa 2400). There are of course many discussions already on the xv-1s that have been interesting to read. A bit concerned only in that I've been advised by a few fellow audiophiles that the jmw9 signature arm cannot provide all that xv-1s is capable of producing, and should "buy to the arm," sort to speak. Any thoughts and/or experiences with this combo?
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Showing 3 responses by chfs911

chfs911
23 posts
 
I am using the XV-1s with the VPI SSM and the JPW 9 sig.

The sound is very good but lately I have had some problems as the cantilever is off-set probably after years of running without bias adjustment.

I use it into the Art Audio Vinyl 1 and very happy with the sound quality when all is well.

I have just sent the cartridge off for a rebuild after 5 years of ownership. Still sounded good but could not get setup right after suspension offset.

One upgrade option I am interested in trying is the JPW 10.5 arm upgrade for $1000. It seems a steal compared with going down the TW Raven AC and 10.5 arm route!

So I recommend the XV-1S in the JPW arm.
chfs911
23 posts
 
If you get a chance try a Dr XV-1t in the arm. The cartridge is the most important link to the grooves so it is "garbage in garbage out" principle. The arm is only a support and the unipivot design is simple enough to not have too many vices. If you can afford to throw $s at the arm and deck too then fine but the SSM JPW9 won plenty of awards for its performance and is GVFM. I am getting a new XV cartridge so maybe the 10.5i will be money well spent with the VTA on the fly adjustment.

But will it be the S or T? :O)
chfs911
23 posts
 
It is simple logic. What detail you loose you cannot replace down stream. Laws of physics.

How can you argue against the basic laws of physics?

The arm will contribute to how well the cartridge tracks the record. My findings from using 10s of different arms is most of them work pretty well.

I even tested the prototype PU7 running 4 identical decks and cartridges with Aro, Ekos2, PU7 and PU3.

Yes, the arms all give different sound but the XV-1s will shine through in any of them with the detail it presents.

Your opinion may differ but we at least can all have an opinion right or wrong. It is my opinion I like the XV-1s alot whereever I choose to fit it!
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