Dynavector XV-1S ---is it overkill for my system?

Unless you have the finest class of pre, you will loose what the Dyna XV-S can be capable. This can be an expensive purchase, which promted me to recommend the high output to ultmately get better sound.

Adamay---the thing is, I don't know if the Simaudio 310LP will be an improvement on the Heed, but I'm willing to take a chance to find out. Like you, I love my Heed Quasar, it's the best phono stage I've ever had in my system---BUT, my experience with other high quality phono stages has been very limited, so I wanted to broaden my horizons a bit and try something else, so I can put the Heed in perspective and understand what it's strengths and weaknesses are. Someone referred to the Heed as a "good budget phono pre" (the implication being that it's not in the same class as something like the Simaudio, I assume), so I want to find out if that's true. The Simaudio seems like a good choice---good loading and gain options (will work with the Dyna 17D3 and the Lyra Delos if I get one), Stereophile Class B recommended (for what that's worth), and I purchased it used---so how can I go wrong?

02-29-12: Stringreen
Unless you have the finest class of pre, you will loose what the Dyna XV-S can be capable.

I agree, however, most would also say the same about the table/arm as well, not to mention amplification and speakers. That's why the advice that the XV-1s would be overkill in this system.

JMC...Picky, Picky....The classic is extremely good and worth an upgraded cart.

Stringreen, I did not say that the Classic was not a good table. I also did not say the OP may not enjoy an upgrade at cartridge. The key is that we both agree that the Dynavector XV-1s is overkill for this system. You merely pointed out that it was overkill due to his phono preamp, while I pointed out that it was overkill due to every other piece in his system, including his turntable.

IMHO, a good balance is the key. It would make no more sense to put a XV-1s in that system then to drive a pair of Verity Audio Sarastro II's with some Adcom seperates.
He's talking about a cartridge that sells for twice as much as his table and arm combined! A cartridge that sells for more than double what his speakers sold for.

And from my personal experiences, if I had to go cheap, I'd do it on the cartridge over the turntable, speakers, amps. I've heard much better sound from a $500 cartridge on a $15K table/arm then I've heard from a $5K cartridge on a $2K table/arm. Of course, YMMV.