Time for new used cartridge

All, Thank you for your responses so far...this is what I need from your knowledgebase. Can a cart be rebuilt even thought the cantilever is gone also? If this is the case then I still want to purchase a new/used cart and meanwhile I will get this one repaired. Then I won’t be in this situation again.

I now remember when I purchased this cart I was between the XV-1s and the Titian and figured I couldn't go wrong with either one, and as silly as this sounds, went with the XV-1s because it looked like newer technology and had a very predator like look to it. Hey when on the fence, goes with what moves you. It wasn’t failed me so far in life.

So with the above thoughts, maybe I should look at carts with a slightly different sound but of course still complementary to my tastes.

Appreciation of your thoughts is a given!

A friend of mine just had his XV1-S go down, and his dealer loaned him a Dyna XX2MKII. He knows that's what I use, and after listening, his comment was: That's an f'n good cartridge! One can be had used for around 1K or less, so while you are waiting, you might want to use one til your XV1-S gets repaired.

Good luck,
Dan

Yes, your broken XV-1S can be repaired. I was there when Dan_Ed snapped the cantilever off his - ouch! - so his advice exactly suits your situation. Don't know Soundsmith's cost, but that's too good a cartridge to throw away without asking.

I can't think of many better carts for your stated sonic and musical goals and few that would as good, especially for < $3K.

Benz will be a shade warmer, richer and fuller, but also a hair slower and won't quite match the Dynavector's dynamics and extension. An easy cartridge to listen to and enjoy, not quite as hard rockin'.

Helikon is distinctly cooler, though it does have the advantages Syntax mentioned.

ZYX Atmos X-SB low output would be an excellent choice. All the bass, dynamics and punch of the XV-1S, greater HF extension and speed, a more neutral tonal palette than any of the above. SORAsound's now selling new for just $2495, a real "bargain" in our crazy world.

Transfiguration Orpheus would be a serious contender, especially the lower output version. Many of the same characteristics as the Atmos and a very good cartridge for your kind of music. $6K new, so maybe above your range unless you get lucky.

Some manufacturers have that point of view, when someone else "repairs", "rebuilds" their cartridge, it shall no longer be considered their original name.
I can understand it, I listened to some "rebuilds" from non-authorized personell and I can speak her only for me, I will NEVER buy such a cartridge for a normal price. I would send it back to Dynavector. Normally it will be replaced with a new one for a fixed price.

Fixed price. And that is what it comes down to. The repair Soundsmith was probably 1/4 the cost of sending it to Dynavector. Sure, it is a bit different than a stock xv-1s. However, I would speculate that it is 95% of stock and I think it has a better stylus profile now.