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

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.

JMC is absolutely on the money. You dont put a $5k cartridge on a $2k turntable. If you put a $5k cartridge on, it will be marginally better.
However if you spent $2k on a cartridge and the other $3k on upgrading the tt you will get the best improvement by miles. eg in this case a Lyra Delos or Benz Glider plus additional speed controller SDS, clamp, Antiskate etc.
My experience with the Moon phono's with various Benz, Clearaudio and Dynavectors is a dry and uninspring sound, IMO something like an EAR phono would blitz these, more life, more engaging and balanced.

The tonearm would be the first thing I would replace on that setup.