Great cartridge mate for SME lV arm

I am using the Dynavector XV-1s cartridge with my SME IV tonearm. I am very impressed with the performance of the cartridge, and it is essentially a perfect match with the SME IV.

I think David is inquiring about the VTF (vertical tracking force) we are using with the DRV XV-1s. Speaking for myself, I have been running the cartridge at a VTF at the top end of the range suggested by the manufacturer (2.0 grams if I recall correctly). I know there are others who have experimented with higher tracking force and decided that a VTF above the suggested range - 2.6 grams for example - results in markedly better sound. I have been personally reluctant to exceed the VTF range suggested by Dynavector, but I am interested in others' experience here.

Raul, thanks for the information. I intend to experiment with increasing my tracking force consistent with what you suggested as I gather there is another level of performance available without compromising the life of the cartridge.

Regards,
Bob

David, for about five years, I ran the van den Hul Frog cartridge in my system. At 0.65mV of output, the Frog seemed to do best in my system at about 50dB of gain. As you would expect, I have found that my Dynavector XV-1s, at 0.35mV of output, requires more gain. In my system, the Dynavector cartridge does best with gain of 55dB. The XV-1s is an exceptionally dynamic cartridge and, in my experience, does not require quite as much gain as you might expect based strictly on its output level.

The optimal phono stage gain for any given cartridge will vary a bit from system to system, but, particularly given that the Shelter 90X has an output level consistent with my van den hul Frog, I thought you might find this information useful in evaluating the compatibility of these cartridges with the gain provided by your modded phono stage.

Do you know how much gain is provided by your ARC PH-3?

David, it sounds like the gain of your phono stage is right on the edge of what is required to run the Dynavector cartridge. While your phono stage might well have enough gain to get the job done, given the substantially higher output of the Shelter cartridge, I agree that this would be your safest bet. I think that the Dynavector cartridge is, overall, the better performer, but, if you don't have enough gain to run the cartridge, you would be left with no recourse but to upgrade your phono stage, sell the cartridge, or listen at less than fully satisfying volume levels.

By the way, I think the least of your worries is the tracking weight of the Dynavector cartridge. This certainly does not pose a risk to your vinyl. And if it provides you with any piece of mind, I should tell you that I have been running my Dynavector XV-1s at 2.0g VTF, and the sound is incredible. My advice to you is to disregard the VTF in making your decision. The question of whether your phono stage has sufficient gain is much more relevant.